The Nigeria Police Force has stepped up its campaign against cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime and other social vices in Anambra State as the Inspector-General of Police’s Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) delegation commenced a strategic advocacy visit to the state.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the delegation, led by the National Coordinator of POCACOV, SP Orvenonne Ikwen, PhD, is in the state to strengthen collaboration with the Anambra State Government and other critical stakeholders in promoting peace, security and responsible citizenship.
The visit is designed to deepen partnerships with traditional rulers, educational institutions, religious organisations, youth groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to address the root causes of crime, particularly among young people.
As part of the engagements, the delegation paid courtesy visits to the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, and the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Iweka III of Obosi.
Discussions focused on strengthening institutional collaboration through preventive policing strategies, including sustained public enlightenment, value reorientation, mentorship and active community participation to curb youth involvement in crime.
Both the Secretary to the State Government and the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council commended the Inspector-General of Police for sustaining the POCACOV initiative, describing it as a proactive, community-driven approach to crime prevention. They also pledged the continued support of the Anambra State Government and relevant stakeholders to ensure the campaign reaches communities across the state.
Speaking during the visit, the National Coordinator of POCACOV reaffirmed the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police to supporting initiatives aimed at discouraging cultism, drug abuse, violent extremism, cybercrime and other criminal activities through strategic partnerships and continuous stakeholder engagement.
She stressed that effective policing requires the collective efforts of government institutions, communities, parents, schools and faith-based organisations in guiding and empowering young people towards positive values and lawful conduct.
The advocacy programme also featured interactive sessions involving the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13, AIG Miller Gajere Dantawaye, PSC, and the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, recently promoted to Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Ikioye Orutugu, FWC, MNIPS, PhD, in their respective offices.
Members of the National Coordinator’s delegation included Mr. Collins Iwuoba, Mr. Akindele Adegebo, His Royal Majesty Igwe Dr. Emeka Ilouno, Comrade Ken Okoli, members of the POCACOV State Working Committee and POCACOV ambassadors from various parts of Anambra State.
The Anambra State Police Command called on residents to embrace the POCACOV initiative by supporting programmes that promote positive values, lawful behaviour and constructive youth engagement, reaffirming its commitment to working with stakeholders to enhance security and sustain peace across the state.
