By Peter Omopo
The Nigeria Police Force has launched a nationwide advocacy and sensitisation campaign against cultism, drug abuse and other social vices as part of efforts to strengthen crime prevention and community policing across the country.
The initiative was flagged off by the Olatunji Disu under the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu.
The police said the campaign will be implemented across all state commands and is designed to reinforce the Force’s commitment to proactive policing, grassroots engagement and preventive strategies aimed at reducing crime through public awareness and stakeholder collaboration.
According to the statement, POCACOV serves as the flagship community policing initiative of the Nigeria Police Force, focusing on discouraging young people from engaging in cultism, drug abuse, violent crime and other anti-social activities.
The campaign will also promote positive values by strengthening partnerships with schools, communities, religious organisations and other relevant stakeholders to support early intervention and sustained public sensitisation.
The police noted that the initiative is expected to foster safer communities by protecting young people from criminal influences while encouraging active participation by local communities in crime prevention efforts.
“The initiative forms part of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to proactive policing, community engagement and sustained efforts to combat cultism and other social vices through grassroots sensitisation, early intervention and strategic stakeholder engagement,” the statement said.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to preventive policing strategies, stressing that community-based approaches remain essential to improving public safety and tackling the root causes of crime across Nigeria.
