Ogona Anita
The Rivers State Police Command has officially relaunched the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, as part of a renewed nationwide initiative aimed at combating cultism, drug abuse, youth violence, and other social vices.
Speaking at the relaunch, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, psc, mnips, fcai, commended the Inspector-General of Police for the visionary initiative, describing POCACOV as a proactive and strategic approach to crime prevention through public enlightenment, community partnership, and youth engagement.
The Commissioner emphasized that the fight against cultism cannot be won by law enforcement alone. He called on parents, guardians, teachers, religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and other stakeholders to actively support the campaign by instilling sound moral values, mentoring young people, and 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.
He further warned young people against the deceptive recruitment tactics employed by cult groups, noting that many victims are lured with false promises of protection, influence, or easy wealth. He stressed that the claim that members can freely exit cult groups is misleading, as many who attempt to leave often face intimidation, violence, or even death. According to the Commissioner, the only safe choice is to reject cultism completely.
CP Adepoju reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to the sustained implementation of POCACOV through continuous sensitization campaigns in schools, tertiary institutions, churches, mosques, markets, motor parks, and communities across Rivers State. He urged residents to work closely with the Police by providing timely and credible information that will help prevent crime and protect the future of the State’s youth.
The Rivers State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to promoting peace, public safety, and a crime-free society through community policing, strategic partnerships, and proactive crime prevention initiatives.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Complaint Response Unit (CRU):
- 07057605209
- 07057605256
- 08120822987
- 07072323049
Control Room:
- 08032003514
ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, Esq., ANIPR
Police Public Relations Officer
For: The Commissioner of Police
Rivers State Police Command
