The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has ordered the immediate suspension of the operations of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, POCACOV.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumiyiwa Adejobi on the NPF’s X handle on Thursday.
The suspension, according to the statement, is a strategic initiative aimed at conducting a holistic assessment of the unit and repositioning it for increased efficiency and enhanced service delivery.
The statement said, “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.
“This decision comes as part of a strategic effort to conduct a comprehensive review of the unit and reposition it for heightened efficiency and enhanced service delivery.”
The statement said that the Force recognizes the necessity of halting all pending programs and outreaches, initiated by the present national coordinator, CSP Ebere Amarizu, to enhance a thorough review and restructuring of the initiative to spread across the six geopolitical zones, each with its respective coordinator.
It added that the temporary suspension aims to realign POCACOV’s strategies, ensuring they effectively tackle contemporary security challenges and holistically serve Nigerian communities better than its present localized and ineffective campaigns.
“During this period of suspension, the Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its unyielding commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the nation. The revitalization of POCACOV seeks to reinforce its role as an integral community policing instrument, strengthening the bond between the Force and our communities.”
The statement further explained that updates regarding the resumption of POCACOV programmes and outreach activities will be communicated to the public in due course as the Force continues to prioritize safety, security and community partnership.
