By Oki O. Samson
The Lagos State chapter of the Police Campaign
Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) has reinforced its commitment to collaborating with key security stakeholders following a courtesy visit by its Chairman, Dr. Moses Oladimeji, to the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan.
The meeting, held at LSSTF headquarters in Lagos, highlighted the growing significance of partnerships between preventive policing initiatives and strategic security agencies across the state.
POCACOV, a preventive policing arm of the Inspector General of Police, focuses on reducing the influence of cultism, drug abuse, and related social vices through community engagement and youth-centered interventions.
The initiative conducts workshops, seminars, school outreaches, and advocacy programs designed to equip communities with the knowledge and tools to identify, prevent, and counter the growing threat of cult-related activities.
Dr. Oladimeji praised LSSTF for its pivotal role in enhancing security operations across Lagos, noting that the Fund’s support to police and other agencies has bolstered the state’s overall security framework.
He emphasized that POCACOV’s preventive approach aligns closely with LSSTF’s mission, particularly in fostering safer communities through strategic collaboration with private and public partners.
According to Dr. Oladimeji, proactive engagement with young people and vulnerable communities remains essential to mitigating the allure of cultism and other antisocial behaviors.
Dr. Ogunsan welcomed the visit, describing POCACOV’s proactive model as a critical component of addressing the root causes of insecurity among youths.
He highlighted that early intervention, community involvement, and continuous public sensitization are indispensable tools in combating cultism and similar societal threats.
The LSSTF chief stressed that sustainable security requires a multi-stakeholder approach, leveraging partnerships with organizations like POCACOV to deliver tangible results at the grassroots level.
Both leaders acknowledged the growing need for coordinated efforts among government agencies, security organizations, and community groups to curb social vices effectively.
They agreed that maintaining peace, security, law, and order is central to safeguarding Lagos’s position as West Africa’s economic hub and Nigeria’s commercial nerve center.
Dr. Oladimeji reiterated that POCACOV remains committed to proactive policing strategies that combine prevention, advocacy, and community empowerment to create safer environments for all residents.
The courtesy visit underscored LSSTF’s dedication to engaging partners whose interventions complement state security initiatives and enhance operational readiness.
Observers said the meeting reflects a forward-looking strategy to strengthen preventive security measures, signaling greater collaboration in tackling cultism and other social vices in Lagos.