Concerned by the rising threat of cult-related activities and other social vices, the Anambra State Police Command on Friday took its campaign directly to the streets in a bold show of resolve and community engagement.
The advocacy walk, held on December 19, 2025, was led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, MNIPS, PhD, who mobilised officers and men of the Command, critical stakeholders, and members of the public to speak with one voice against cultism.
The exercise drew attention from residents as participants marched peacefully through designated routes, carrying messages that condemned violence, criminality, and youth involvement in secret cults.
Addressing participants during the walk, CP Orutugu did not mince words as he read the riot act to individuals involved in cultism and other criminal activities across the State.
He warned that the Anambra State Police Command would not tolerate any act capable of threatening public peace, safety, and security, stressing that offenders would be decisively dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Police Commissioner explained that the initiative was part of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), a flagship programme of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to him, POCACOV is a community-driven strategy that prioritises engagement, advocacy, prevention, and strategic partnerships rather than enforcement alone.
CP Orutugu noted that meaningful progress in tackling cultism can only be achieved when communities actively collaborate with the Police to discourage young people from embracing violence and criminal lifestyles.
The advocacy walk attracted a wide range of stakeholders, reflecting a collective commitment to addressing the menace of cultism in Anambra State.
Among those present were staff of the Red Cross Society of Nigeria, Hon. Ken Okoli, Youth President General of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), and Hon. Kingsley Ezika, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security (Anti-Cultism).
Also in attendance was the Chairman of POCACOV Anambra State, Comrade Surveyor Emeka Obi, alongside representatives of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Anambra State Chapter.
The Managing Director of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), Chief Mike Ozoemena, also participated in the exercise, lending institutional support to the campaign.
Representatives of Keke and Bus Drivers’ Unions equally joined the walk, pledging to sustain the advocacy and provide timely information to security agencies to help nip cultism and other crimes in the bud.
Reiterating the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on cult-related violence, CP Orutugu assured residents that the Police would continue to deploy all lawful strategies to prevent crime, apprehend offenders, and maintain law and order across the State.
He further called on parents, community leaders, religious institutions, transport unions, and youth groups to partner with the Police in guiding young people away from cultism and promptly reporting suspicious activities.
The event underscored the Anambra State Police Command’s commitment to proactive policing, community partnership, and the creation of a safer environment for all residents of the State.
The advocacy was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, on December 19, 2025.
