The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has officially launched a nationwide advocacy and sensitisation campaign against cultism, drug abuse and other social vices under the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV).
The initiative, which will be implemented across all police commands nationwide, is part of the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed commitment to proactive policing, crime prevention and stronger community engagement.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the campaign is designed to discourage young people from engaging in cultism, substance abuse, violent crime and other criminal activities through education, mentorship and community participation.
The police said POCACOV remains the Force’s flagship community policing initiative, focusing on tackling the root causes of crime by promoting positive values and encouraging collaboration with schools, traditional institutions, religious organisations, civil society groups and local communities.
Speaking on the initiative, IGP Disu reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to preventive policing strategies aimed at protecting young Nigerians from criminal influences while fostering safer and more secure communities across the country.
The campaign will feature nationwide awareness programmes, school outreach activities, stakeholder engagements and community sensitisation exercises to educate youths on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse and other social vices.
The Nigeria Police Force expressed optimism that sustained collaboration with parents, teachers, community leaders and other stakeholders would help reduce youth involvement in crime and strengthen public safety nationwide.
The launch of the nationwide campaign comes amid growing concerns over the rise in cult-related violence, substance abuse and youth crime in several parts of the country, with the police urging Nigerians to support the initiative by promoting positive values and reporting criminal activities to security agencies.