Inspector-General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba, has charged Nigerian youths to refuse being used as thugs by politicians as the country counts down to the February 2015 polls.

He gave the advice yesterday while receiving the executive of Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) led by its National President, Mr. Gambo I. Gujungu, who paid him a courtesy call at the Force Headquarters.

Abba noted that youths, as the leaders of tomorrow, should distance themselves from all acts capable of impacting negatively on their personality and that of the country.

He charged the AYF executive to sensitise other youths in the country on the need to fully participate in community policing activities in their areas.

The IGP reassured Nigerian youths of his support for every peace initiative on national development they may embark on, just as he reiterated that the strategies put in place by the police to ensure violence-free elections next month are being implemented.

In his speech, Gujungu expressed the determination of AYF members to work towards violence-free elections. The AYF President thereafter decorated the IGP with the “Exemplary Leadership Award”.

•Photo shows IGP Abba.