Ogun: POCACOV Mobilises Youths Against Cultism, Drug Abuse.

Ogun: POCACOV Mobilises Youths Against Cultism, Drug Abuse.

The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) has extended its youth-focused sensitisation campaign to Ogun State, where hundreds of teenagers and young adults were educated on the dangers of cultism and other social vices.

The campaign was held during the Royal Ambassador Ogun Baptist Conference, Ephphatha 2026, as part of efforts to prevent young people from becoming involved in criminal and harmful activities.The programme was led by the Ogun State POCACOV Coordinator, ASP Oluborode Opeyemi, in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, to strengthen preventive policing through increased engagement with young people.

According to a statement issued by the command on Monday, the initiative was aimed at equipping youths with the knowledge and confidence needed to reject cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, gang-related activities and other forms of criminal behaviour.During the interactive session, POCACOV officers discussed the consequences of involvement in cult groups and other vices. They explained that such activities could negatively affect the future of young people while also disrupting peace and security in schools and communities.

The officers also shared practical examples of how cultism, substance abuse and internet fraud have affected the aspirations of young Nigerians. They encouraged the participants to make responsible choices, develop self-discipline and surround themselves with positive influences.

The youths were further urged to understand their role in building a safer society. POCACOV encouraged them to become ambassadors against social vices within their schools, homes and neighbourhoods by promoting responsible behaviour and speaking against activities that could endanger their future.A major highlight of the programme was a collective pledge by the participants. The youths promised to reject cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime and other social vices while promoting positive values and moral leadership in their communities.

The police command said the Ogun engagement formed part of POCACOV’s wider national mandate to promote preventive education and community-oriented policing among young Nigerians.

The initiative, it added, demonstrates the police force’s commitment to sustained engagement with youths as a means of preventing crime and strengthening security.The command reaffirmed that continued youth sensitisation remains essential to reducing criminal activities and creating safer schools and communities across the country.