By Odita Sunday
The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its campaign against cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime and other social vices in Anambra State, with the Inspector-General of Police’s Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) team embarking on a strategic advocacy visit to the state.
The delegation, led by the National Coordinator of POCACOV, SP Orvenonne Ikwen, PhD, is engaging the Anambra State Government, traditional rulers, educational institutions, religious organisations, youth groups and civil society organisations to strengthen collaboration in promoting peace, security and responsible citizenship.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the advocacy campaign is aimed at tackling the root causes of crime through preventive policing, public enlightenment and community participation.
As part of the visit, the delegation paid courtesy calls on 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 centred on strengthening institutional partnerships to address youth involvement in crime through value reorientation, mentorship and sustained public awareness campaigns.
The state government and traditional institution commended the Inspector-General of Police for sustaining the POCACOV initiative, describing it as a proactive and people-oriented approach to crime prevention. They also pledged their support to ensure the campaign reaches communities across the state.
Speaking during the visit, the National Coordinator reaffirmed the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police to reducing cultism, drug abuse, violent extremism, cybercrime and other criminal activities through strategic partnerships and sustained stakeholder engagement.
She stressed that effective policing requires collaboration among communities, government institutions, parents, schools and faith-based organisations to positively influence young people.
The advocacy visit also featured interactive sessions with the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 13, AIG Miller Gajere Dantawaye, and the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, AIG Ikioye Orutugu, who recently earned promotion to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police.
Members of the 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 urged residents to support the POCACOV initiative by embracing programmes that promote positive values, lawful conduct and constructive engagement among young people.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders to strengthen security and ensure lasting peace and stability across the state.
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