Odita Sunday 
Anambra CP Calls for Youth Partnership Against Thuggery, Digital Crimes
By Odita Sunday
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has called on youths in the state to reject thuggery, violence, drug abuse and the misuse of digital platforms, stressing that young people remain critical partners in crime prevention and community security.
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.
The Commissioner said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” underscored the shared aspirations of young people for dignity, opportunities, safety and a better future, irrespective of their backgrounds.
He said youth participation in sports could serve as an effective tool for crime prevention, noting that countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Netherlands, Canada and Australia had used organised sports, mentorship and youth development programmes to divert young people from crime and anti-social behaviour.
According to him, sports promote discipline, teamwork, confidence and healthy relationships while keeping youths positively engaged and away from negative influences.
Ama therefore urged stakeholders to regard sports not merely as recreation but as an investment in crime prevention and community security.
He identified negative peer influence, drug abuse, poverty, unemployment, intolerance and manipulation as some of the factors capable of pushing young people into crime.
The Commissioner, however, warned that the dangers had extended to the digital space, where social media platforms could be abused to spread misinformation, incite violence and recruit young people into criminal activities.
Ama urged 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 said effective crime prevention required the collective efforts of the police, youths, parents, schools, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations and the wider community.
The Commissioner called on participants to use the International Youth Day walk to reaffirm their commitment to peace, responsible citizenship, responsible use of technology and the rejection of crime and violence.
“Our young people are not the problem. You are an important part of the solution. Together, let us build an Anambra where our youths can live safely, dream freely and achieve their aspirations legitimately,” he said.
Ama, on behalf of the Anambra State Police Command, wished youths in the state a happy and meaningful International Youth Day 2026.
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