The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has kicked off a nationwide advocacy and sensitisation campaign under the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV).
The move is part of efforts to tackle cultism, drug abuse, violent crimes and other social vices among youths.
The campaign, which commenced on Sunday, is aimed at strengthening community policing through sustained engagement with schools, religious organisations, communities and other critical stakeholders to discourage criminal behaviour and promote positive values among young people.
According to the Nigeria Police Force, POCACOV remains its flagship community policing initiative designed to address the root causes of youth involvement in crime through advocacy, mentorship and strategic partnerships rather than relying solely on law enforcement.
The police said the initiative seeks to protect young Nigerians from criminal influences by promoting responsible citizenship and creating opportunities for constructive engagement within their communities.
It noted that the campaign would be driven through collaboration with educational institutions, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders to build a united front against cultism, substance abuse and other forms of social deviance.
The police maintained that preventing crime through public enlightenment and community participation remains a key component of its policing strategy, stressing that the nationwide campaign would deepen efforts to foster safer communities across the country.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Anietie Iniedu, said the Nigeria Police remains committed to preventive policing strategies that promote public safety and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement.
Iniedu added that the campaign reflects the commitment of the IG to proactive policing, youth development and community-driven initiatives aimed at reducing crime and enhancing national security.