Police, NDLEA, NSCDC lead campaign against cultism, drug abuse in Anambra community

Security agencies in Anambra State have intensified advocacy efforts against cultism and drug abuse, urging young people to shun social vices and embrace responsible lifestyles for the safety and development of society.

The initiative was spearheaded by the Anambra State Police Command in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other security stakeholders during a one-day youth summit held on Friday in Agulu community.

The summit, organised by the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Anaocha Chapter, under the theme “Combating Drug Abuse and Cultism Among the Youth for a Safer Society.”

Speaking during the interactive session, representatives of the security agencies stressed the urgent need to curb the rising involvement of youths in drug abuse, cult-related activities and other criminal behaviour.

They highlighted the role of Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), a non-kinetic initiative of the Nigeria Police Force aimed at sensitising young people on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse and other anti-social activities.

Participants were encouraged to make positive life choices and pursue their ambitions through lawful and productive means. The speakers also called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, parents, community leaders, schools and youth groups to effectively tackle the problem at the grassroots level.

A key highlight of the summit was the emotional testimony of a survivor of drug addiction who shared personal experiences about the destructive impact of substance abuse on young people. The session also featured the screening of video clips illustrating the physical, psychological and social consequences of drug abuse.

Organisers said the engagement forms part of ongoing community-based initiatives aimed at promoting awareness, discouraging criminal tendencies among youths and building a safer and more secure society in Anambra State.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement, reaffirmed the commitment of the police and other stakeholders to sustained advocacy, community engagement and preventive strategies in the fight against cultism and drug abuse across the state.