The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, has urged the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) to ensure that garages and motor parks are not used for political violence before and during the 2027 general elections.

Mr Tijani made the call on Thursday at the inauguration of the National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery and Police-Youth Dialogue on Thursday in Lagos.

He described the transport unions as important stakeholders in the security and stability of Lagos State, noting that their members play a significant role in the movement of millions of people and goods across communities daily.

The commissioner, however, acknowledged the perception in some quarters that transport unions were synonymous with violence, intimidation and thuggery.

He said such perceptions did not always reflect the reality within the unions, noting that many of their members were hard-working, responsible and law-abiding citizens.

According to him, the actions of a few members can unfortunately create a negative image for the majority.

Mr Tijani, therefore, tasked the leaderships of the unions to take up the responsibility to control their members and ensure that they contribute positively to the peace and security of the state.

“I want the leadership of these unions to become partners in this campaign. When your members are disciplined, peaceful and law-abiding, the entire union benefits.

“When one member engages in violence or criminality, the reputation of everyone suffers,” he said.

The CP urged the unions to work with the police and other stakeholders to change the narrative surrounding them, from the one of violence and intimidation to the one of service, responsibility, discipline and community partnership.

He warned the unions against allowing their members to be recruited as political thugs in the 2027 elections.

“Please do not allow your members to be recruited as political thugs. Do not allow your garages or motor parks to become centres for political violence,” Mr Tijani added.

According to him, members of the unions have the same aspirations as other Nigerians, which include making a living, providing for their families and living peacefully.

“Protect these aspirations by ensuring that your members are not manipulated or recruited to perpetrate political violence,” he said.

Mr Tijani said the theme of the 2026 International Youth Day, “Different Contexts, Same Aspirations,” was particularly relevant to Nigeria.

He said youths across the country might come from different backgrounds, communities and professions and face different challenges, but they shared common aspirations for peace, security, education and economic opportunities.

He called for stronger collaboration between the police, youths, transport unions, community leaders and other stakeholders to prevent violence and promote peaceful coexistence.

The CP said the campaign also provided an opportunity to strengthen the trust between young people and the law-enforcement agencies.

He called on the transport unions to see the campaign as an opportunity to strengthen their partnership with the police and demonstrate their commitment to peace, security and the development of the state.

He urged the leadership of NURTW and RTEAN to use their influence positively by educating their members on the dangers and consequences of violence.

Mr Tijani reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state, urging that “all hands must be on deck, as security is a collective responsibility.”

He urged political actors to pursue their ambitions through lawful and democratic means, rather than recruiting youths and transport workers to perpetrate violence.

The commissioner warned that the police would enforce the law against individuals involved in acts capable of threatening public safety, regardless of their status or affiliation.

(NAN)