Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Ogun State Police Command has officially flagged off the grassroots operational activities of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), marking a significant milestone in the state's strategic shift toward non-kinetic crime prevention models aimed at combating youth vulnerability and neutralizing cultism and related social vices. The formal launch, which took place on Monday, 6 July 2026, at the Command Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, followed a high-level executive briefing where the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, hosted the POCACOV leadership delegation. The development aligns with the mandate of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on preventive policing through advocacy and sensitization campaigns.
The POCACOV delegation, led by the State Coordinator, ASP Oluborode Opeyemi, and State Chairman, Aare Olayinka Aturamu, alongside other executive members, presented an in-depth operational framework of the campaign's milestones during the strategic engagement. CP Bode Ojajuni was meticulously briefed on POCACOV's non-kinetic policing approach, which prioritizes proactive public enlightenment, behavioural modification, and targeted youth mentorship over traditional reactive measures. The presentation also evaluated the unit's documented grassroots successes and outlined its comprehensive roadmap for state-wide sensitization.
Reacting to the brief prior to performing the official flag-off, CP Bode Ojajuni highly commended the dedication and excellent work of the POCACOV team. Charging the officers to relentlessly scale up their advocacy, the CP noted that "the sky is just the starting point" and urged them to strive for even greater impacts in securing the state. The Commissioner's remarks underscored the Command's commitment to institutionalizing non-kinetic approaches that address the root causes of crime, particularly among young people, who are most vulnerable to recruitment into cults and other criminal enterprises.
POCACOV, a flagship initiative of the Nigeria Police Force, is designed to tackle cultism and other social vices through advocacy, sensitization, and community engagement rather than relying solely on enforcement and prosecution. The campaign targets schools, communities, and religious institutions, seeking to educate young people on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, and other antisocial behaviours. The initiative also provides mentorship and support for at-risk youth, offering them alternatives to crime and violence. The flag-off of POCACOV activities in Ogun State is expected to intensify these efforts, with the command rolling out a comprehensive state-wide sensitization programme.
The launch comes at a time when cultism and youth involvement in crime have become significant concerns for security agencies across Nigeria. In Ogun State, the police have recorded several arrests of suspected cultists in recent months, including the apprehension of 202 suspects in a massive raid on criminal hideouts in Asaba. The command has also intensified its crackdown on cult-related activities, with the Commissioner of Police previously announcing a statewide intelligence-led security operation to prevent cult-related violence ahead of the annual 7/7 event observed by the Black Axe confraternity.
The POCACOV initiative represents a strategic shift in the command's approach to crime prevention, acknowledging that enforcement alone cannot solve the problem of cultism and youth violence. By investing in prevention, education, and community engagement, the command hopes to reduce the pool of potential recruits for cults and criminal groups, thereby breaking the cycle of violence that has plagued many communities. The success of the initiative will depend on the active participation of schools, parents, religious leaders, and community organizations, all of whom have a role to play in guiding young people away from crime.
During the launch, CP Bode Ojajuni reiterated the Command's unwavering commitment to the campaign, assuring the POCACOV team of all necessary support to achieve its objectives. He also called on stakeholders across the state to support the initiative, emphasizing that the fight against cultism and other vices requires a collective effort from all sectors of society. The Commissioner's pledge of total support is expected to provide the POCACOV team with the resources and backing needed to expand its reach and deepen its impact.
As the POCACOV team begins its state-wide sensitization campaign, the people of Ogun State can expect to see increased engagement with schools, communities, and religious institutions on issues of youth development and crime prevention. The command's commitment to non-kinetic approaches reflects a broader recognition that sustainable security requires not just law enforcement but also social investment and community resilience. With the official flag-off of POCACOV activities, Ogun State has taken a significant step towards building a safer and more secure environment for all its residents.
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