Nigeria Police to Host 2026 International Youth Day, Launch National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced plans to host the 2026 International Youth Day (IYD) celebration under its National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative, aimed at strengthening police-youth partnerships and promoting responsible citizenship among young Nigerians.
The three-day programme is scheduled to hold from August 20 to 22, 2026, at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja, with corresponding activities expected to take place across police zonal and state commands nationwide.
The initiative is being organised under the United Nations International Youth Day theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” and is designed to promote youth leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, digital responsibility and peaceful democratic participation.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the programme represents a major preventive policing initiative focused on engaging young people as partners in building safer and more peaceful communities.
Activities lined up for the celebration include Youth Leadership Dialogues, moderated Police-Youth Engagement Sessions, panel discussions, innovation and entrepreneurship showcases, a Peace and Security Walkathon and novelty sporting activities.
The programme will also feature the “Plant Peace. Grow Nigeria. Secure the Future.” national tree-planting initiative, youth honours and awards, as well as the formal launch of Esteemed Youths, a national youth reorientation resource, on August 22.
The police said two nationwide youth reorientation campaigns would also be launched during the event.
The first, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery,” is aimed at discouraging political violence, electoral thuggery and digital manipulation among young people.
The second campaign, “Think Before You Click. Verify Before You Share,” will promote responsible digital citizenship and raise awareness about misinformation, disinformation, cyberbullying, deepfakes and other forms of digital abuse.
The Force noted that partners and stakeholders who had previously received invitations and programme correspondence should take note of the revised dates of August 20 to 22, 2026, adding that updated schedules and other relevant information would be communicated in due course.
The Nigeria Police Force also invited Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, diplomatic missions, youth organisations, educational institutions, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, the private sector and members of the public to participate in and support the initiative.
Registration for the programme is now open through the official programme portal.
The police said the initiative reflects the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to preventive policing through strategic youth engagement.
The Force emphasised that empowering young Nigerians with positive values, opportunities and leadership platforms remains critical to building a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria.
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