Police relaunch anti-cult campaign in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command has relaunched the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, POCACOV, in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

The initiative is part of a renewed nationwide effort to tackle cultism, drug abuse, youth violence, and other social vices through preventive measures and public engagement.

Speaking at the relaunch, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, described the campaign as a forward-looking strategy that focuses on crime prevention through public awareness, community collaboration, and youth development.

He also commended the Inspector-General of Police for introducing what he called a timely and impactful initiative.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Grace Iringe-Koko, the commissioner stressed that addressing cultism requires the collective efforts of all members of society and cannot be left to law enforcement agencies alone.

He urged parents, guardians, teachers, religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth organisations, and other stakeholders to support the campaign by promoting positive values, mentoring young people, and promptly reporting suspicious activities to the police.

“Cultism has no place in a peaceful and progressive society. It destroys lives, fuels criminality, promotes drug abuse, and threatens the safety and future of our communities. True courage is found in discipline, hard work, and integrity—not in criminal associations,” CP Adepoju stated.

The commissioner also cautioned young people against the deceptive methods used by cult groups to recruit new members.

He explained that many youths are enticed with false promises of protection, influence, or quick wealth, only to become trapped in dangerous criminal networks.

He warned that claims by cult groups that members can leave at any time are false, noting that those who attempt to withdraw are often subjected to intimidation, violence, or even death. According to him, the safest decision is to reject cultism completely.

CP Adepoju reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining the POCACOV campaign through regular sensitisation programmes in schools, tertiary institutions, churches, mosques, markets, motor parks, and communities across Rivers State.

He also appealed to residents to partner with the police by providing timely and credible information that will help prevent crime and safeguard the future of the state’s young people.

The Rivers State Police Command reiterated its commitment to promoting peace, public safety, and a crime-free society through community policing, strategic partnerships, and proactive crime prevention initiatives.