From The Nijasun News Desk
The Inspector-General of Police’s Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) has intensified its preventive policing campaign in Anambra State, bringing together key stakeholders to chart sustainable strategies for tackling cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime and other social vices.
The high-level 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.
The event forms part of the Nigeria Police Force’s nationwide drive to strengthen preventive policing through strategic partnerships, youth engagement and active community participation.
The gathering attracted government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, security agencies, educational institutions, civil society groups, community leaders and other stakeholders committed to promoting safer communities.
Addressing participants, SP Ikwen reaffirmed the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police to preventive policing as a proactive approach to crime reduction by addressing its root causes through advocacy, mentorship, value reorientation and community collaboration.
She also approved the establishment of POCACOV clubs in schools across Anambra State, urging stakeholders to embrace the initiative by guiding young people towards responsible citizenship and productive ventures.
Speaking on behalf of the Anambra State Police Command, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, welcomed participants and explained that effective security remains a shared responsibility that requires the active involvement of every segment of society.
He assured that the Command would continue to strengthen partnerships with communities in promoting peace, public safety and sustainable development across the state.
The interactive session featured goodwill messages from representatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, women groups and other stakeholders.
Participants also engaged in robust discussions on practical measures to prevent youth involvement in crime, strengthen community resilience and deepen collaboration between the police and the public.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts to the Inspector-General of Police by the Anambra State Town Unions Council Youth Wing (ASTUC Youth), led by Comrade Ken Okoli, as a symbolic endorsement and acceptance of the POCACOV initiative in the state.
The Anambra State Police Command expressed appreciation to all participants and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the POCACOV initiative in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police of building a safer and more secure society through preventive policing.
Tags: POCACOV, Anambra Police, Preventive Policing, Cultism, Youth Development
