The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, on Friday led a broad-based advocacy walk against cultism and other social vices, warning perpetrators that the Police will no longer tolerate activities capable of threatening public peace and security in the state.
The exercise, held on December 19, 2025, brought together officers and men of the Command, key stakeholders and concerned members of the public as part of renewed efforts to curb cult-related violence and other crimes across Anambra State.
Addressing participants during the walk, CP Orutugu read the riot act to individuals involved in cultism and criminal activities, stressing that the Command would decisively deal with anyone undermining law and order.
He reaffirmed the Police’s zero-tolerance stance on cult-related violence, assuring residents of sustained and lawful actions to prevent crime and apprehend offenders.
The Police Commissioner explained that the initiative was anchored on the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), a community-oriented programme of the Nigeria Police Force that emphasizes engagement, advocacy, prevention and strategic partnerships rather than enforcement alone.
He called on parents, community leaders, religious organisations, transport unions and youth groups to support the Police by guiding young people away from cultism and other vices, and by promptly reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.
Several stakeholders participated in the advocacy walk, including officials of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), and the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA). Also present were representatives of tricycle (Keke) and bus drivers’ unions, who pledged to sustain the advocacy and provide timely information to help curb cultism and crime in the state.
Other notable participants included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security (Anti-Cultism) and Chairman of POCACOV in Anambra State, Comrade Surveyor Emeka Obi, as well as youth and community leaders drawn from across the state.
In a statement by the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Anambra State Police Command further assured residents of its continued commitment to maintaining peace and security through proactive policing, strong community collaboration and sustained public enlightenment.
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