The Inspector-General of Police, Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) Team, led by the National Coordinator of POCACOV, SP Orvenonne Ikwen, on Thursday held a stakeholders’ discussion at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka, on preventive policing.
The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen preventive policing through strategic partnerships, youth engagement, and community participation.
The event brought together government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, security agencies, educational institutions, civil society organisations, community leaders, and other critical stakeholders to deliberate on sustainable approaches to addressing cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime, and other social vices.
Speaking at the occasion, the National Coordinator of POCACOV, reaffirmed the IGP’s commitment to Preventive Policing as a proactive strategy for reducing crime by addressing its root causes through advocacy, mentorship, value reorientation, and community collaboration.
She also approved the opening of POCACOV Club in Schools across Anambra State, urging stakeholders to take ownership of the campaign and guide young people towards productive ventures and responsible citizenship.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, who spoke on behalf of the Command, welcomed participants and stressed that effective security is a shared responsibility requiring the active support of every segment of society.
According to him, the Command remains committed to fostering stronger partnerships with communities in promoting peace, safety, and sustainable development.
The interactive session featured goodwill messages from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Traditional Rulers Council, leaders of Women group and other Stakeholders, and open engagements on practical strategies to prevent youth involvement in crime, strengthen community resilience, and enhance collaboration between the Police and the public.
The event also featured the presentation of gifts to the IGP by the Anambra State Town Unions Council Youth Wing (ASTUC YOUTH), led by Comrade Ken Okoli, signaling the acceptance of POCACOV in the State.
The Anambra State Police Command appreciated all stakeholders who participated in the program and reiterated its resolve to continue to support the POCACOV initiative in line with the vision of the IGP, which is: “Building a safer and more secure society through preventive policing.”
