IGP Disu Relaunches POCACOV, Seeks Collective Fight Against Cultism, Drug Abuse
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has relaunched the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) nationwide, with a renewed call for stakeholders to unite in protecting young people from cultism, drug abuse and other social vices.
The nationwide relaunch began in Rivers State on Wednesday at the Police Officers’ Mess, Old GRA, Port Harcourt, as part of efforts to strengthen preventive policing through sustained community engagement, youth sensitisation and strategic partnerships.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olugbenga Adepoju, described cultism as a destructive lifestyle sustained by false promises of protection, wealth and influence.
He warned that involvement in cult activities often ends in violence, imprisonment or death.
Adepoju said parents, schools, religious institutions and community leaders must work together to instil positive values in young people, stressing that prevention remains the most effective strategy for tackling crime.
The National Coordinator of POCACOV, SP Onne Ikwen, said the Inspector-General ordered the nationwide relaunch to reinvigorate the initiative and expand public participation in crime prevention.
She noted that POCACOV, which has operated for more than seven years, remains one of the Nigeria Police Force’s leading non-kinetic crime prevention initiatives, adding that security is a shared responsibility requiring the active involvement of all stakeholders.
Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Evo Kingdom, Sir Dr. Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka of Evo Kingdom, commended the Inspector-General for revitalising the campaign across the country.
He described POCACOV as a timely platform for promoting positive values among young people and discouraging criminal behaviour, urging participants to take the campaign’s message to communities across Rivers State and beyond.
The event attracted traditional rulers, students, academics, civil society organisations, senior police officers and other stakeholders, underscoring the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to building safer communities through preventive policing.
About The Author
