The Anambra State Police Command, in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other security stakeholders, has stepped up advocacy efforts against cultism, drug abuse and other social vices among youths in the state.
This formed part of activities at a one-day youth summit themed “Combating Drug Abuse and Cultism Among the Youth for a Safer Society.”
In a press statement, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the summit was organised by the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Anaocha Chapter, and held on Friday, March 7, 2026, at the Swisspoint Hotel in Agulu.
Ikenga noted that the event brought together security agencies, community stakeholders and youths to address the rising concerns of drug abuse and cult-related activities among young people.
During the engagement, the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), a non-kinetic initiative of the Nigeria Police Force aimed at discouraging youth involvement in crime, was highlighted as a key platform for educating young people on the dangers of cultism and drug abuse.
Speakers at the summit, including representatives of the Police, NDLEA and NSCDC, emphasised the need for collective action among security agencies, community leaders, parents and youths to effectively tackle the menace.
They urged young people to shun criminal activities and instead embrace positive values, discipline and lawful means of achieving their aspirations.
The programme also featured the testimony of a survivor of drug addiction who shared personal experiences to educate participants on the devastating effects of substance abuse.
Participants also watched several video clips highlighting the impact of drug abuse and cultism on individuals, families and communities.
The Anambra State Police Command noted that the summit forms part of ongoing collaborative efforts by security agencies and community stakeholders to strengthen preventive strategies and promote a safer and more secure society across the state.
