As part of the efforts to intensify community-based anti-crime policing strategies, the Police Campaign Against Cultism & Other Vices (POCACOV) of the Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday, November 12, commenced a community charity outreach programme in Jiwa Town, Abuja.
The programme, themed “Breaking the Circle: Parental Responsibility in Preventing Youth Crime,” was kickstarted at the Jiwa Town Hall.
The POCACOV delegation at the programme was led by its National Coordinator, CSP Olabisi Okuwobi.
In attendance was the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who also doubled as the representative of the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun.
Thenewsbearer reports that it was the first of its kind in the Nigeria Police Force whereby materials such as foodstuffs, educational kits and other items would be given to a community in an anti-crime outreach.
The aim, according to the Force spokesman, was to address critical social issues impacting on youths and foster a more resilient community.
With an estimated 500 participants including parents, local leaders, and youth representatives, the event was used as a platform for discussion, learning, and engagement on implementing targeted strategies to combat pressing issues such as cultism, drug misuse and abuse, as well as other social vices threatening the well-being of Nigerian youths.
Additionally, youth development and rehabilitation programmes and skill acquisition projects were also introduced to equip youths with constructive alternatives to criminality and fostering self-sufficiency within the community.
Palliatives distributed to the community at the outreach included food stuff, educational kits, clothing and other household items.
The Inspector-General of Police, while encouraging the participants, emphasised the intent of the security agency to encourage a collaborative spirit among all members of various communities, with a focus on the importance of parental responsibility and proactive measures in youth crime prevention.
“By bringing together diverse stakeholders and facilitating meaningful dialogue, the Force aims to contribute to creating a safer and more supportive environment for the youth and families, as a microcosm of the society,” the FPRO stated.
