The Ogun State Police Command has cautioned students against cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, political thuggery and other criminal activities that could destroy their future.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, gave the warning while delivering a keynote address at the 45th Students Parliament Council (SPC) Summit 2026, organised by the Student Parliamentary Council of the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta.
The summit, themed, “From Campus to Nation: Mobilising for Peace, Security and Development,” attracted academics, student representatives and other stakeholders who discussed the role of young Nigerians in advancing peace, security and national development.
Babaseyi described students as key partners in national security and stressed that maintaining security was a shared responsibility involving government, security agencies, communities, families and citizens.
“Security is not the responsibility of the Police alone. It is a collective responsibility involving government, security agencies, communities, families and, most importantly, responsible citizens,” he said.
The police spokesman particularly warned against cultism, urging students to reject recruitment into groups associated with violence and criminality.
“Cultism is not a sign of strength or superiority,” he said, adding that true strength was rooted in “self-confidence, discipline, character and the courage to stand independently without hiding behind a group.”
He also urged students to exercise caution online, warning against using social media to circulate rumours, hate speech, provocative material and unverified claims.
“In this digital age, your phones and social media platforms can either promote peace or create serious security challenges. Think before you post, verify before you share, and never use social media to spread rumours, hate, incitement or unverified information,” Babaseyi said.
Speaking on the 2027 general elections, he called on young Nigerians to participate peacefully, engage candidates and issues responsibly, and respect democratic institutions and processes.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections, Nigerian youths must choose the path of peaceful participation, issue-based engagement and respect for democratic processes. Your voice matters, but it must be expressed responsibly,” he said.
Babaseyi reaffirmed the police commitment to safeguarding lives and property while creating a secure atmosphere for education, investment and development.
He said the Nigeria Police Force, under Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, alongside the Ogun State Police Command, would sustain efforts to improve security across the state.
The PPRO, however, urged students and other members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by sharing credible information about suspicious activities.
“See something, say something. Provide credible information, support lawful security initiatives and maintain peaceful relationships within your communities,” he said.
Babaseyi also encouraged students to view their years in school as a period of preparation for leadership and responsible citizenship, noting that their present decisions would shape the country they would help create.
“The nation you desire tomorrow begins with the choices you make today. From the classroom to the community, and from the campus to the nation, let us choose peace, responsibility, integrity and service,” Babaseyi said.
He expressed optimism that the summit would motivate young Nigerians to move beyond demanding a better country and actively contribute to building one.