Odita Sunday 
Anambra Police Intensify Anti-Cultism Campaign, Roll Out Statewide Youth Engagement
By Odita Sunday
The Anambra State Police Command has intensified its campaign against cultism, violent crimes and other social vices, unveiling plans for a statewide youth engagement initiative aimed at steering young people away from crime and promoting responsible citizenship.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that the renewed advocacy was driven through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) during a radio programme held on July 8, 2026, which brought together traditional rulers, youth leaders, community representatives and members of the public.
According to the Command, the interactive programme focused on raising awareness about the dangers of cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime and other criminal activities, while encouraging residents to take collective responsibility for crime prevention and the promotion of positive values.
Participants and callers also explored practical measures to strengthen community policing, mentor young people and encourage lawful, productive lifestyles as part of efforts to curb youth involvement in crime.
The Command further announced plans to embark on a series of statewide youth engagement programmes under the POCACOV initiative to deepen public awareness, discourage criminal tendencies among young persons and foster peace, discipline and responsible citizenship across Anambra State.
It also revealed that preparations are underway to receive the National Coordinator of POCACOV from the Force Headquarters, Abuja, before the end of July 2026.
According to the police, the visit will officially launch a comprehensive schedule of youth-focused activities across the state, including programmes during the long school vacation in August, advocacy sessions with student groups, engagements with women during their August meetings and other community-based initiatives designed to promote positive values and prevent crime.
The Command appealed to parents, teachers, traditional and religious leaders, youth organisations and community stakeholders to support the POCACOV initiative by encouraging young people to reject cultism and other social vices while becoming ambassadors of peace and development in their communities.
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