Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Anambra State Police Command has intensified advocacy against cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime, and other social vices through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV). This follows the commencement of a strategic working visit to the Anambra State by a delegation of the Inspector-General of Police, led by the National Coordinator of POCACOV, SP Orvenonne Ikwen, PhD. This was contained in a statement signed by SP. Ikenga Tochukwu, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, Awka.
The statement reads: “The visit is aimed at strengthening collaboration with the Anambra State Government, traditional rulers, educational institutions, religious bodies, youth groups, civil society organisations, and other critical stakeholders in promoting peace, security, and responsible citizenship across the State.
“As part of the engagement, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, and the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council Anambra State, His Royal Majesty Igwe Iweka III of Obosi. Discussions during the visit centred on building stronger institutional partnerships to address the root causes of crime, particularly among young people. The team highlighted the importance of preventive policing through sustained public enlightenment, value reorientation, mentorship, and community participation.
“Both commended the Inspector-General of Police for sustaining the POCACOV initiative, describing it as a proactive and people-centred strategy for preventing crime. They also assured the delegation of the unwavering support of the Government and Stakeholders in ensuring that the campaign reaches every part of the State.
“The National Coordinator reaffirmed the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police to supporting initiatives that discourage cultism, drug abuse, violent extremism, cybercrime, and other criminal activities through strategic partnerships and continuous stakeholder engagement. She noted that policing is more effective when communities, government institutions, parents, schools, and faith-based organisations work together to guide and empower young people.
“The advocacy visit also featured interactive sessions by the Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 13 AIG Miller Gajere Dantawaye, psc and the Commissioner of Police Anambra State who were recently promoted to Assistant Inspector General of Police AIG Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, PhD in their respective Offices.
“The National Coordinator’s entourage during the visit include Mr Collins Iwuoba, Mr Akindele Adegebo, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Emeka Ilouno, Comrade Ken Okoli, the POCACOV State Working Committee, and the respective Ambassadors of different areas in the State.
“The Anambra State Police Command urges residents to embrace the POCACOV initiative by supporting programmes that encourage positive values, lawful conduct, and constructive engagement among young people. The Command remains committed to working with all stakeholders to strengthen security and foster lasting peace and stability throughout the State, ” it also added.
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