Sokoto: Police launch POCACOV chapter to tackle cultism, drug abuse

The Sokoto State Police Command has inaugurated the state chapter of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) to strengthen community participation in crime prevention and address social vices among youths.

The inauguration, held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the command’s auditorium, was presided over by the Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa.

The initiative is aimed at curbing cultism, drug abuse, youth violence, political thuggery, cybercrime and other social vices through public enlightenment, community engagement and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The ceremony attracted district heads representing the three senatorial districts of Sokoto State on behalf of the Sultan of Sokoto, as well as representatives of security agencies, civil society organisations, youth groups, traditional and religious leaders, market associations and transport unions.

ALSO READ: Two die, others injured in Lagos road crash

Other participants included representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

Speaking at the event, Shaffa charged members of the newly inaugurated chapter to remain committed, proactive and diligent in promoting the objectives of the initiative.

The commissioner identified public enlightenment, community engagement, and positive youth development through collaboration with relevant stakeholders as the three pillars of POCACOV.

He said the initiative would help raise awareness about the dangers of cultism and other social vices while encouraging communities to take collective responsibility for preventing crime.

Shaffa also pledged the command’s support for the chapter, assuring its members of the necessary backing to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

He called on residents and stakeholders across the state to support the initiative and work with the police to promote peace and security.

The newly inaugurated chapter is headed by ASP Ibrahim Mustapha Muhammad as state coordinator, while Abubakar Magaji Yabo will serve as state chairman.

DSP Ahmad Rufa’i was appointed state technical adviser, CSP Kabiru Ahmad as legal adviser, and Kabiru Muhammad Mahe as secretary-general.

Other officers include Saidat Hussaini, organising secretary; Maryam Abubakar Binji, gender-based violence officer; and Khadija Raji Abdullahi, mental health and psychosocial support officer.

The district heads of Binji, Gandi and Ungushi were also designated as zonal focal persons for Sokoto Central, East and South Senatorial Districts, respectively.

In his remarks, Yabo expressed appreciation to the commissioner for his leadership and approval of the formal inauguration, commending the stakeholders who attended the event.

He described POCACOV as a preventive initiative designed to discourage cultism, drug abuse, youth violence and other harmful behaviours through sustained awareness campaigns and community participation.

The chairman said the challenges confronting young people required a coordinated response beyond conventional policing.

According to him, drug abuse, cultism, political thuggery, cybercrime and the pursuit of quick wealth pose serious challenges that demand collective action by government institutions, families, schools, businesses, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and the youths themselves.

“The challenges confronting young people cannot be addressed by the Police alone,” Yabo said, stressing the need for sustained collaboration among relevant stakeholders.

He added that the success of the initiative would depend on the commitment of the police, members of the inaugurated chapter and the willingness of communities and institutions to participate actively.

The chapter is expected to promote preventive policing by encouraging residents, particularly young people, to make responsible choices and report activities capable of threatening public safety.

The inauguration marks a step towards strengthening partnerships between the police and communities in addressing the social conditions that contribute to crime and insecurity in Sokoto State.