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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, is set to host the International Youth Day (IYD) 2026 – National Youth Leadership & Security Initiative from August 20 to 22, 2026, at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja.
The programme, with corresponding activities scheduled across Police Zonal and State Commands nationwide, is a flagship preventive-policing initiative aimed at strengthening Police–Youth partnerships and promoting safer communities.
The three-day event, held under the United Nations International Youth Day theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” will focus on youth leadership, responsible citizenship, innovation, entrepreneurship, digital responsibility and peaceful participation in democratic processes.
Youth Leadership, Innovation Take Centre Stage
Key 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, novelty sporting activities, and the “Plant Peace. Grow Nigeria. Secure the Future.” National Tree Planting Initiative.
The programme will also feature Youth Honours and Awards, alongside the formal launch of Esteemed Youths, a national youth reorientation resource, on August 22, 2026.
As part of efforts to strengthen youth resilience and responsible citizenship, the Police will also launch two nationwide reorientation campaigns.
The first, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery,” is designed to discourage political violence, electoral thuggery and digital manipulation among young Nigerians.
The second, “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.
Police Calls for Nationwide Stakeholder Support
Partners and stakeholders who have previously received invitation letters and programme correspondence are advised to note that the event has been rescheduled to August 20–22, 2026. Updated schedules and other programme information will be communicated accordingly.
The Nigeria Police Force has called on 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 is currently open through the official programme portal:
www.iyd26.silvaweb.com.ng
The Nigeria Police Force said the initiative underscores its commitment to preventive policing through strategic youth engagement, recognising that empowering young Nigerians with the right values, opportunities and leadership platforms is critical to building a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria.