Police Roll Out Nationwide Youth Outreach to Curb Cultism, Drug Abuse and Violent Crime

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has launched a nationwide advocacy campaign aimed at tackling cultism, drug abuse and other social vices, as part of efforts to strengthen crime prevention through community engagement across Nigeria.

The initiative, known as the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), was officially flagged off on Sunday and will be implemented across all state police commands. According to the Nigeria Police Force, the programme is designed to discourage criminal behaviour among young people by promoting positive values, mentorship and sustained public sensitisation.

In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the campaign will focus on addressing the root causes of youth involvement in crime rather than relying solely on arrests and prosecution. The police said the initiative targets cultism, drug abuse, violent crimes and other forms of social deviance through preventive policing strategies.

The nationwide outreach will involve collaboration with schools, religious organisations, traditional institutions, civil society groups and local communities to educate young Nigerians on the dangers of criminal activities while encouraging responsible citizenship.

Police authorities explained that POCACOV remains the Force’s flagship community policing initiative, emphasizing advocacy, early intervention and strategic partnerships as key tools for building safer communities and reducing youth involvement in crime.

The Force noted that strengthening relationships between law enforcement agencies and communities is central to the campaign, adding that preventive policing and public enlightenment are critical to improving national security.

According to the statement, the initiative reflects IGP Disu’s commitment to proactive policing, youth development and community-driven solutions aimed at reducing crime and enhancing public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.