The Anambra State Police Command has stepped up its campaign against cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime, and other social vices through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), as a delegation from the Inspector-General of Police commenced a strategic working visit to the state.
The delegation, led by the National Coordinator of POCACOV, SP Orvenonne Ikwen, PhD, is in Anambra to strengthen collaboration with the state government, traditional rulers, educational institutions, religious organisations, youth groups, civil society organisations, and other key stakeholders in promoting peace, security, and responsible citizenship.
As part of the visit, the team paid courtesy calls on the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, and the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty Igwe Iweka III of Obosi.
During the engagements, discussions focused on tackling the root causes of crime, particularly among young people, through preventive policing, public enlightenment, value reorientation, mentorship, and community participation.
The state government and traditional institution commended the Inspector-General of Police for sustaining the POCACOV initiative, describing it as a proactive, people-centred approach to crime prevention. They also pledged their continued support to ensure the campaign reaches communities across the state.
Speaking during the visit, SP Ikwen reaffirmed the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to combating cultism, drug abuse, violent extremism, cybercrime, and other criminal activities through strategic partnerships and continuous stakeholder engagement.
She stressed that effective policing requires the active involvement of communities, government institutions, parents, schools, and faith-based organisations in mentoring and empowering young people.
The advocacy visit also featured interactive sessions with the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13, AIG Miller Gajere Dantawaye, PSC, and the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, AIG Ikioye Orutugu, FWC, MNIPS, PhD, who recently received his promotion to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police.
Other members of the delegation included Mr. Collins Iwuoba, Mr. Akindele Adegebo, His Royal Majesty Igwe Dr. Emeka Ilouno, Comrade Ken Okoli, members of the POCACOV State Working Committee, and ambassadors representing different parts of the state.
The Anambra State Police Command urged residents to embrace the POCACOV initiative by supporting programmes that promote positive values, lawful conduct, and constructive engagement among young people, reiterating its commitment to working with stakeholders to strengthen security and ensure lasting peace across the state.
