•By Halimah Olamide
The Nigeria Police Force has announced its order to suspend the activities of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV).
According to a circular signed by the spokesperson of the police headquarter ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Thursday, this action is attributed to strategic efforts to conduct a comprehensive review of the unit and reposition it for heightened efficiency and enhanced service delivery.
Accordingly, the statement acknowledged the crucial role of POCACOV in advancing community engagement and tackling social vices, however it also recognizes the necessity of halting all pending programs and outreaches, initiated by the present national coordinator, CSP Ebere Amarizu.
The Force had also pledged and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lived and properties.
“To facilitate a thorough assessment and restructuring of the initiative to spread across the six geopolitical zones, each with its respective coordinator.
“This temporary suspension aims to realign POCACOV’s strategies, ensuring they effectively address contemporary security challenges and holistically serve Nigerian communities better than its present localised and ineffective campaigns.”
“During this period of suspension, the Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its unyielding commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the nation. The revitalization of POCACOV seeks to reinforce its role as an integral community policing instrument, strengthening the bond between the Force and our communities. “
The statement disclosed that any update pertaining to the resumption of the programmes will be communicated.
The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), is a community policing initiative and public relations tool within the Force Public Relations Department of the Nigeria Police Force.