The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has launched a nationwide campaign against cultism, drug abuse and other social vices through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV).
The initiative will be carried out across all police commands in the country as part of efforts to reduce crime through public awareness and community participation.
The Nigeria Police Force announced the programme in a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu. According to the statement, the campaign is designed to tackle cult-related activities, drug abuse, violent crimes and other harmful behaviours by focusing on prevention rather than enforcement alone.
The police explained that the campaign will involve grassroots awareness programmes, early intervention measures and close engagement with communities. The initiative is expected to educate young people about the dangers of criminal activities while encouraging them to make positive life choices.
As part of the programme, the police will work with schools, religious bodies, community leaders and other stakeholders to promote good values and discourage young people from joining cult groups or engaging in criminal activities.
The force said the campaign is also intended to strengthen preventive policing by building stronger relationships between the police and members of the public. It added that greater cooperation with communities would help reduce crime and create a safer environment across the country.
The police expressed confidence that the nationwide campaign would improve public awareness, support crime prevention efforts and encourage collective action against cultism, drug abuse and other social vices affecting communities in Nigeria.