The Lagos State Police Command has stepped up its campaign against drug abuse, cultism and other social vices by mobilising transport operators, traders and community stakeholders in Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

The awareness programme, held on Friday at the Apapa-Iganmu LCDA secretariat, was organised under the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) in partnership with the council.

Participants were educated on the dangers of drug abuse, cult activities, election-related violence and other crimes that threaten public safety.

Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, the Area Commander of Area B Command, ACP Onyinyechi Onwuamaegbu, urged residents to shun criminal activities and support efforts to keep their communities safe.

She referred to the transport workers and traders as “key partners in crime prevention,” noting that their daily interaction with members of the public gave them an important role in providing useful information to security agencies.

Onwuamaegbu encouraged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with the police and avoid harbouring criminal elements in their neighbourhoods.

She reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening community policing through continuous public enlightenment and closer collaboration with stakeholders to improve security across the state.

The programme featured goodwill messages from the Executive Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Divisional Police Officers and other stakeholders, who stressed that tackling crime requires the collective efforts of government, security agencies and the public.

Participants were also urged to promote peaceful coexistence by discouraging drug abuse, rejecting cult-related activities and encouraging law-abiding behaviour within their communities.

The sensitisation exercise was part of POCACOV initiative aimed at addressing the root causes of crime through public advocacy, community engagement and strategic partnerships with local leaders and institutions.