Anambra Police Intensify War on Cultism, Substance Abuse, Cybercrime

The Anambra State Police Command has commenced an advocacy campaign against cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime, and other social vices through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV).
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, Awka, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the campaign followed the commencement of a strategic working visit to Anambra State by a delegation from the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, led by the National Coordinator of POCACOV, SP Orvenonne Ikwen.
The statement noted that the visit is aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Anambra State Government, traditional rulers, educational institutions, religious bodies, youth groups, civil society organisations, and other critical stakeholders in promoting peace, security, responsible citizenship, and crime prevention across the state.
“As part of the engagement, the delegation paid courtesy visits to 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. Discussions during the visits 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 active community participation,” the statement said.
It added that both the Secretary to the State Government and the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council commended the Inspector-General of Police for sustaining the POCACOV initiative, describing it as a proactive, community-driven, and people-centred strategy for crime prevention.
They also assured the delegation of the unwavering support of the state government and other stakeholders in ensuring that the campaign reaches every part of Anambra State.
The National Coordinator reaffirmed the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police to supporting initiatives that discourage cultism, substance abuse, violent extremism, cybercrime, and other criminal activities through strategic partnerships, sustained public enlightenment, and continuous stakeholder engagement.
She stressed that policing is more effective when communities, government institutions, parents, schools, and faith-based organisations work together to guide, mentor, and empower young people.
The advocacy visit also featured interactive sessions with the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 13, AIG Miller Gajere Dantawaye, PSC, and the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police.
The sessions focused on strengthening community policing, promoting youth engagement, and enhancing collaborative efforts to address emerging security challenges in the state.
Members of the National Coordinator’s entourage during the visit 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 POCACOV ambassadors representing various communities across Anambra State.
The Anambra State Police Command urged residents to embrace the POCACOV initiative by supporting programmes that promote positive values, lawful conduct, responsible citizenship, and constructive engagement among young people. The Command reaffirmed its commitment to working with the state government, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to strengthen security, prevent crime, and foster lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development throughout Anambra State.