CP Tijani urges stakeholders to support crime prevention as POCACOV holds awareness campaign

Michael Olumide Alabi

Lagos State Police Command, through its Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), has intensified efforts to curb crime by sensitising transport operators, traders and other stakeholders on the dangers of drug abuse, cultism and election violence.

The awareness programme, organised in collaboration with the Apapa Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), was held at the Apapa Iganmu LCDA Secretariat and attracted transport workers, market leaders, community stakeholders and security officials.

Representing the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, the Area Commander, Area B Command, ACP Onyinyechi Onwuamaegbu, urged participants to reject all forms of criminality and become ambassadors of peace within their communities.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, she stressed that transport operators and traders occupy strategic positions in society and therefore have a crucial role to play in promoting security and preventing crime. According to her, the fight against drug abuse, cultism and other social vices requires the active participation of every member of the community.

ACP Onwuamaegbu encouraged participants to remain law-abiding, support the Police with timely and credible information, and ensure that criminal elements are not given refuge within their communities. She noted that effective community policing depends on cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies.

The sensitisation programme also highlighted the devastating impact of drug abuse on young people and society, explaining that substance abuse often fuels violent crimes, cult-related activities and other forms of criminal behaviour. Participants were urged to discourage the use and trafficking of illicit drugs while promoting positive values among the youth.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Executive Chairman of Apapa Iganmu LCDA, Divisional Police Officers and other stakeholders, all of whom emphasised the need for collective responsibility in combating crime and maintaining peaceful coexistence.

The speakers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration between government institutions, security agencies and community members in addressing emerging security challenges.

The programme forms part of the Lagos State Police Command’s sustained community engagement strategy under POCACOV, aimed at preventing crime through public enlightenment, youth empowerment and stronger partnerships with residents.

Participants commended the initiative and pledged to support the Police by promoting peaceful coexistence, reporting suspicious activities and encouraging others to stay away from drug abuse, cultism and every form of criminality.