The Nigeria Police Force has announced plans to host the International Youth Day (IYD) 2026 programme, a three-day event scheduled for August 20–22 at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Jabi, Abuja, with activities also taking place across Zonal and State Commands nationwide.
Themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations” in line with the United Nations International Youth Day theme, the initiative is designed to promote youth leadership, responsible citizenship, innovation, entrepreneurship, digital responsibility, and peaceful democratic participation.
According to the Force, the programme will also strengthen Police–Youth partnerships in building safer communities.
“This is a flagship preventive policing initiative that seeks to empower young people with the right values, opportunities, and leadership platforms,” said CSP Ani Iniedu, Force Public Relations Officer. “We believe that engaging youths strategically is essential to building a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.”
The event will feature youth leadership dialogues, Police–Youth engagement sessions, panel discussions, innovation showcases, a peace and security walkathon, novelty sporting activities, and a national tree planting campaign tagged “Plant Peace. Grow Nigeria. Secure the Future.” On August 22, the Force will launch a publication titled Esteemed Youths: A National Youth Reorientation Resource.
Two nationwide reorientation campaigns will also be unveiled: “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery,” aimed at discouraging electoral violence and digital manipulation, and “Think Before You Click. Verify Before You Share,” which promotes responsible digital citizenship and combats misinformation, disinformation, and cyberbullying.
The Nigeria Police Force has extended invitations to ministries, development partners, diplomatic missions, youth organisations, educational institutions, civil society groups, faith-based organisations, and the private sector to participate in the initiative. Registration is available via the official programme portal: http://iyd26.silvaweb.com.ng.
Reiterating its commitment, the Force stated: “Preventive policing through youth engagement is not just a strategy; it is a necessity. By investing in our youths, we are investing in the future security and prosperity of Nigeria.
