The Abia State Police Command has commemorated the 2026 International Youth Day with a walkathon in Umuahia, urging young people across the state to reject criminality, political thuggery and digital-related crimes.
The exercise, held on Thursday under the National Youth and Security Initiative with the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” was organised in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police.
The walkathon was led by the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, alongside members of the command’s management team, officers and representatives of various youth organisations.
The exercise was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, the Special Adviser on Youths and other youth-focused groups in the state.
Participants included members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Niger Delta Students Union Government, National Association of Students Union, National Association of Nigerian Students, NYSC, New Face of Igbo Youths Association and Ohanaeze Youths Movement, among others.
The walkathon commenced at about 8:00 a.m. from Okpara Square, Umuahia, and ended at the Abia State Police Command headquarters.
Speaking after the exercise, CP Afolabi appreciated the participating groups for their support and urged young people to play active roles in promoting peace, civic responsibility and community security.
He called on youths to stay away from criminal activities, political violence and the misuse of digital platforms for unlawful purposes.
The commissioner also encouraged young people to see the police as partners rather than adversaries in the collective effort to maintain peace and security across Abia State.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening police-youth relations and creating an environment where young people can contribute meaningfully to security and development.
