ABUJA – The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has launched the nationwide advocacy and sensitisation campaign of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), as part of efforts to curb cultism, drug abuse and other social vices through community-based policing.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the campaign will be implemented across all state police commands nationwide.
The statement said the initiative underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to proactive policing, community engagement and preventive crime-fighting strategies aimed at addressing criminal behaviour before it escalates.
The police explained that POCACOV, the Force’s flagship community policing initiative, is designed to discourage young people from engaging in cultism, drug abuse, violent crimes and other anti-social activities through grassroots sensitisation, early intervention and sustained stakeholder engagement.
It added that the programme will strengthen collaboration between the police, schools, religious organisations, traditional institutions, community leaders and other relevant stakeholders to promote positive values among youths.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to preventive policing strategies that promote public safety, protect young people from criminal influences, and foster safer communities across the country,” the statement said.
The Force expressed optimism that the nationwide campaign would deepen public awareness, encourage community participation and support ongoing efforts to reduce crime through non-kinetic and people-centred policing approaches.
The statement was signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja.
