By Odita Sunday
The Inspector-General of Police’s drive to tackle crime through preventive policing gained fresh momentum on Thursday as stakeholders across Anambra State rallied behind the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), with the Anambra State Town Unions Council Youth Wing (ASTUC YOUTH) formally endorsing the initiative by presenting gifts to the Inspector-General of Police in a symbolic show of support.
The endorsement came during a stakeholders’ interactive session organised by the Inspector-General of Police’s POCACOV Team at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka on July 30, 2026. The event formed part of ongoing efforts to deepen community participation, youth engagement and strategic partnerships in tackling cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime and other social vices before they escalate into criminality.
Leading the delegation, the National Coordinator of POCACOV, SP Orvenonne Ikwen, reiterated the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to preventive policing as a proactive approach to reducing crime by addressing its root causes through advocacy, mentorship, value reorientation and community collaboration.
As part of efforts to strengthen youth-focused crime prevention, Ikwen approved the establishment of POCACOV Clubs in schools across Anambra State and urged stakeholders to take ownership of the campaign by guiding young people towards responsible citizenship and productive ventures.
The programme drew participation from government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, security agencies, educational institutions, civil society organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders, who deliberated on practical and sustainable measures for preventing crime and strengthening community resilience.
Speaking on behalf of the Anambra State Police Command, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, welcomed participants and stressed that security remains a collective responsibility that requires the active involvement of every segment of society.
He assured that the Command would continue to build stronger partnerships with communities in promoting peace, safety and sustainable development.
The interactive session also featured goodwill messages from representatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Traditional Rulers Council, women groups and other stakeholders, who pledged continued collaboration in combating youth involvement in crime and supporting preventive policing initiatives.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts to the Inspector-General of Police by ASTUC YOUTH, led by Comrade Ken Okoli, symbolising the group’s acceptance and endorsement of the POCACOV campaign in Anambra State.
In a statement signed by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, the Command expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their participation and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the POCACOV initiative in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s vision of “Building a safer and more secure society through preventive policing.”
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