The Ogun State Police Command has urged Nigerian students to shun cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, political thuggery, violence and other forms of criminality capable of jeopardising their future and threatening national peace.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ogun State Police Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi gave the charge while delivering the 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 was held with the theme, “From Campus to Nation: Mobilising for Peace, Security and Development.”
Babaseyi described the theme as timely and instructive, noting that the campus should not only serve as a centre for academic pursuit but also as a training ground for leadership, responsible citizenship and active participation in society.
He told the students that they remained important stakeholders in national security, stressing that security was not the sole responsibility of the Police or other security agencies but a collective responsibility involving government, communities, families and responsible citizens.
The Police PRO particularly warned students against cultism, saying membership of cult groups should not be mistaken for strength or superiority.
According to him, cultism often feeds on low self-esteem, insecurity and the desire for validation, belonging or protection, while true strength lies in self-confidence, discipline, character and the courage to stand independently.
He urged students not to allow themselves to be recruited into groups or activities that could turn their youthful energy into instruments of violence.
Babaseyi also drew the students’ attention to the security implications of the digital age, urging them to exercise caution in their use of smartphones and social media platforms.
He advised them to “think before you post” and “verify before you share”, warning against the use of social media to spread rumours, hate, incitement and unverified information.
On the forthcoming 2027 general elections, the Police PRO urged Nigerian youths to embrace peaceful participation, issue-based political engagement and respect for democratic processes.
He stressed that although the voice of the youth mattered in shaping the nation’s future, such influence must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law.
Babaseyi assured that the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ol atunji Rilwan Disu and the Ogun State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, remained committed to protecting lives and property and creating a safe environment for education, investment and development.
He, however, emphasised that policing would become more effective when citizens cooperated with the Police by providing credible information and supporting lawful security initiatives.
“See something, say something,” he urged the students, while encouraging them to maintain peaceful relationships within their communities and contribute positively to public safety.
Babaseyi challenged the students to recognise that the future of Nigeria would be shaped by the choices they make today.
He said the nation they desired tomorrow must begin with responsible decisions in the classroom, on campus and within their communities.
He called for a new generation of young Nigerians who would not only demand a better country but also accept the responsibility of building one through peace, integrity, discipline and service.
