The Anambra State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to preventive policing as the Inspector-General of Police’s Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) held a stakeholders’ interactive session in Awka on Wednesday.

The event, held at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, brought together government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, security agencies, educational institutions, civil society groups, and community leaders to discuss strategies for tackling cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime, and other social vices.

Leading the POCACOV delegation, the National Coordinator, SP Orvenonne Ikwen, said the initiative aligns with the Inspector-General of Police’s preventive policing agenda, which focuses on addressing the root causes of crime through advocacy, mentorship, value reorientation, and stronger community partnerships.

She also approved the establishment of POCACOV Clubs in schools across Anambra State to promote positive values among students and discourage involvement in criminal activities. Ikwen urged stakeholders to take ownership of the campaign by mentoring young people and encouraging responsible citizenship.

Speaking on behalf of the Anambra State Police Command, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, described security as a collective responsibility, stressing the need for sustained collaboration between the police and members of the public to ensure lasting peace and safety.

The session featured goodwill messages from representatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, women’s groups, and other stakeholders. Participants also engaged in discussions on practical measures to prevent youth involvement in crime and strengthen community resilience.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts to the Inspector-General of Police by the Anambra State Town Unions Council Youth Wing (ASTUC Youth), led by Comrade Ken Okoli, as a symbolic endorsement of the POCACOV campaign in the state.

The Anambra State Police Command expressed appreciation to all participants and reiterated its commitment to supporting the POCACOV initiative in line with the Inspector-General’s vision of building a safer and more secure society through preventive policing.