The Nigeria Police Force has ordered the immediate suspension of the activities of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), a community policing initiative and public relations tool within the Force Public Relations Department of the Nigeria Police Force.
Making this known in a statement on Thursday, January 4, 2024, the Force spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that the decision came as part of a strategic effort to conduct a comprehensive review of the unit and reposition it for heightened efficiency and enhanced service delivery.
“Acknowledging the crucial role of POCACOV in advancing community engagement and tackling social vices, the Force recognises the necessity of halting all pending programmes and outreaches, initiated by the present national coordinator, CSP Ebere Amarizu, 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,” he said.
Adejobi stated further that during the period of suspension, the NPF reaffirmed unyielding commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the nation.
The FPRO noted that the revitalisation of POCACOV seeks to reinforce its role as an integral community policing instrument, strengthening the bond between the Force and communities.
He added that updates regarding the resumption of POCACOV programmes and outreach activities would be communicated to the public in due course, as the Force would continue to prioritise safety, security, and community partnership.
