Police Boss Urges Anambra Youths to Reject Thuggery, Digital Violence
By Chizoba Njaka
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, on Aug. 22, called on youths in the state to shun thuggery, violence and the misuse of digital platforms for criminal activities.
CP Oji Ama made the call while addressing participants at a walk organised to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day, with a focus on combating all forms of thuggery, including digital thuggery.
He said the theme of this year’s International Youth Day, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” underscores the shared desire of young people for dignity, opportunities, safety and a brighter future, regardless of their backgrounds.
The commissioner also highlighted the importance of engaging youths in sports as a strategy for preventing crime, noting that organised sporting activities, alongside mentoring and youth development programmes, could keep young people away from crime and other forms of anti-social behaviour. According to him, sports promote discipline, teamwork, confidence and healthy relationships while keeping young people positively engaged and away from negative influences.
He therefore urged stakeholders to view sports not merely as recreation but as an investment in crime prevention and community security. The commissioner identified negative peer influence, drug abuse, poverty, unemployment, intolerance and manipulation as some of the factors that could expose young people to criminal activities.
He also warned that such threats had extended into the digital space, where social media could be misused to spread false information, incite violence and recruit youths into criminal activities. CP Oji Ama used the opportunity to urge youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence or digital thuggery, stressing that their future was more valuable than any temporary reward.
He emphasised that crime prevention was a collective responsibility, adding that the Police could not effectively combat crime without the support and cooperation of youths, parents, schools, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations and the wider community. “As we walk today, let us walk with a commitment to peace, responsible citizenship, responsible use of technology, and the rejection of crime and violence."
The Police Commissioner assured young people that they remained an important part of the solution to insecurity, urging them to pursue their aspirations legitimately and contribute positively to the development of Anambra State. He called for collective efforts to build a state where young people could live safely, dream freely and achieve their aspirations without resorting to crime or violence.
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