The Nigeria Police Force has officially launched the Inspector-General of Police’s Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) in Anambra State, reaffirming its commitment to preventive policing through strategic partnerships, youth engagement, and active community participation.
The stakeholders’ interactive session, held on Thursday at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, was led by the National Coordinator of POCACOV, SP Orvenonne Ikwen, and brought together representatives of security agencies, government institutions, traditional rulers, youth groups, women organisations, and other stakeholders.
In her address, SP Orvenonne Ikwen, who represented the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Inspector-General’s commitment to preventive policing as a proactive approach to crime prevention, emphasizing the need to address the root causes of crime through advocacy, mentorship, value reorientation, and community collaboration.
SP. Ikwen announced the approval for the establishment of POCACOV Clubs in schools across Anambra State to provide young people with positive platforms that discourage cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime, and other social vices.
According to her, the campaign seeks to strengthen security, build trust between the police and communities, and encourage citizens to take ownership of security by working closely with law enforcement agencies.
She noted that many serious crimes, including kidnapping, often begin with seemingly minor offences such as petty theft and unlawful entry into homes, stressing the need for early intervention to prevent criminal behaviour from escalating.
in his welcome address, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP. Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command remains committed to exploring every legitimate means of improving security across the state. He described the launch of POCACOV in Anambra as a deliberate initiative of the Inspector-General of Police aimed at strengthening community policing and fostering closer collaboration between the police and members of the public.
SP Ikenga emphasised that effective policing cannot succeed without public support, describing the campaign as a bridge between the police and the people.
“We know that there is no way we can effectively police any state without the acceptance and support of the people. This platform is designed to bridge the gap between the Police and the communities.” Ikenga stated.
The police spokesperson explained that concerns expressed by residents and community groups informed the establishment of the campaign, adding that security agencies must address early signs of criminal behaviour before they develop into serious crimes.
The PPRO encouraged participants to engage freely during the interactive session so that their suggestions could be compiled into recommendations that would guide future policing strategies and strengthen collaboration between the police and communities.
SP. Ikenga also appealed to members of the public to volunteer with POCACOV, noting that community participation remains vital to sustaining peace and security in the state.
Contributing, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika, commended the Nigeria Police Force for its efforts in promoting community policing through POCACOV.
She acknowledged the challenges associated with policing and described the initiative as an important platform that enables volunteers and community members to support the police in crime prevention.
According to Ifejika, the campaign goes beyond the popular slogan, “If you see something, say something,” by encouraging citizens to become active participants in promoting security and safeguarding their communities.
Speaking on behalf of the Anambra State Town Unions Council Youth Wing (ASTUC Youth), Youth President, Comrade Ken Okoli, described POCACOV as a strategic platform for combating cultism and other social vices through value-based orientation. He commended the initiative for recognising that policing is a collective responsibility involving families, schools, religious institutions, and communities rather than security agencies alone.
Okoli identified 12 core values that define the identity of Anambra people: fear of God, patriotism, self-reliance, discipline, respect for life, truth, liberty, justice, community, dignity of labour, religious and ethnic tolerance, and obedience to the law. He expressed support for the establishment of POCACOV Clubs in schools, saying they would provide young people with a positive sense of belonging and serve as an alternative to cult groups.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
the interactive session featured goodwill messages from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Traditional Rulers Council, women groups, and other stakeholders, who shared practical strategies for preventing youth involvement in crime, strengthening community resilience, and enhancing collaboration between the Police and the public.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts to the Inspector-General of Police by the Anambra State Town Unions Council Youth Wing, led by Comrade Ken Okoli, symbolising the state’s acceptance and support for the POCACOV initiative.
