LAGOS – In response to growing concerns about youth involvement in criminal activities, Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has launched a new preventive policing strategy. This initiative prioritizes dialogue, community engagement, and education over traditional forceful methods in addressing issues like cultism, drug abuse, and their escalation into violent crimes.
Speaking at the launch of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) in Lagos State, IGP Egbetokun, advocated for a non-kinetic approach centered on fostering behavioral change and building strong community relationships, stating that relying solely on law enforcement is insufficient to eradicate crime. The IGP emphasized the need to redirect youth from destructive paths, highlighting the consequences of cultism, drug addiction, and associated violent offenses.
ACP Olabisi Okuwobi, the National Coordinator of POCACOV, underscored the importance of tackling crime at its root by involving community stakeholders, including parents, religious leaders, educators, and traditional rulers. ACP Okuwobi explained that the IGP believes that “prevention is better than cure,” leading to this community-focused approach.
The launch event coincided with Ramadan, with the theme “Name, Fame, and Shame: The Consequences of One’s Actions in the Hereafter” chosen to resonate with the predominantly Muslim audience. The police aim to make the temporary pause in criminal activities often observed during Ramadan permanent. The Nigerian Police Force provided logistical support to ensure broad participation, particularly for fasting individuals, and distributed Islamic materials to reinforce positive values.
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This marks a shift for the Nigerian Police Force, representing their first faith-based engagement and community dialogue initiative focused on crime prevention. Beyond Ramadan, the POCACOV program aims for long-term sustainability, incorporating a “carrot-and-stick” approach, offering rehabilitation and skills acquisition programs for those willing to reform, while maintaining law enforcement for those who persist in criminal behavior. By partnering with schools, marketplaces, religious organizations, and traditional institutions, the police are extending their message of renunciation and support, while stating the consequences of continued criminal activity.
