By Uchenna Ezeadigwe
Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has intensified its advocacy against cultism, violent crime, substance abuse, cybercrime, and other social vices under the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), with plans to commence a comprehensive statewide youth engagement campaign.
The renewed campaign was announced on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, during an interactive radio programme organised by the Command, which brought together traditional rulers, youth leaders, community representatives, civil society stakeholders, and members of the public to discuss practical approaches to crime prevention and youth development.
Speaking during the programme, Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in Awka, stressed that tackling cultism and other forms of criminality requires sustained collaboration among security agencies, families, schools, religious institutions, traditional authorities, and communities.
Participants highlighted the dangers posed by cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime, and related offences, while advocating stronger mentorship programmes, value-based orientation, and community-driven interventions to steer young people towards productive and lawful pursuits.
As part of efforts to strengthen crime prevention through proactive engagement, the Command announced that it will embark on a series of POCACOV programmes across Anambra State aimed at deepening public awareness, discouraging criminal tendencies among youths, and promoting peace, discipline, and responsible citizenship.
The Police Command also disclosed that preparations are underway to receive the National Coordinator of POCACOV from the Force Headquarters, Abuja, before the end of July 2026.
The visit is expected to officially flag off an extensive schedule of youth-focused activities across the state.
According to the Ikenga, the programme will feature engagements during the long school vacation in August, advocacy sessions with students, interactions with women during their annual August meetings, and other community-based initiatives designed to reinforce positive values, strengthen community partnerships, and prevent crime.
The Anambra State Police Command urged parents, teachers, traditional and religious leaders, youth organisations, community leaders, and other stakeholders to actively support the POCACOV initiative by encouraging young people to reject cultism, embrace responsible behaviour, and become ambassadors of peace and sustainable development in their communities.
