The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) of the Nigeria Police Force has strengthened its commitment to proactive crime prevention by partnering with the Lagos State Government to provide employment and empowerment opportunities for rehabilitated youths and other vulnerable individuals.
The initiative formed part of efforts to move beyond traditional policing approaches centred on arrests and prosecution, towards early intervention, rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals at risk of falling into criminality.
On August 12, 2026, the National Coordinator of POCACOV, SP Orvenonne Ikwen, Lagos State Coordinator, Olivia Ugochukwu, and members of the POCACOV team visited the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Lolade Aina.
The strategic engagement focused on developing opportunities for post-rehabilitation employment, skills acquisition and economic empowerment for individuals identified and supported before they become involved in criminal activities.
POCACOV said providing sustainable livelihoods for rehabilitated persons would help reduce the risk of relapse into crime while promoting responsible citizenship and community safety.
The initiative reflects a broader shift towards preventive policing, recognising that unemployment, social exclusion and lack of economic opportunities can contribute to vulnerability to cultism, drug abuse and other forms of criminality.
Operating under the directive and support of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, POCACOV is strengthening collaboration with government institutions and communities to address the root causes of crime through prevention, rehabilitation and social reintegration.
The partnership with the Lagos State Government is expected to provide a practical pathway for rehabilitated individuals to rebuild their lives, become economically productive and contribute positively to society.
POCACOV’s approach underscores the principle that effective policing is not only about apprehending offenders, but also about preventing crime by creating conditions that give vulnerable members of society a viable alternative to criminality.
