Hundreds of youths in Ogun State have pledged to reject cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime and other social vices following a sensitisation programme organised by the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV).
The campaign was held during the Royal Ambassador Ogun Baptist Conference, tagged “Ephphatha 2026,” as the Ogun State Police Command intensified efforts to prevent young people from becoming involved in criminal activities.
The engagement was led by the Ogun State POCACOV Coordinator, ASP Oluborode Opeyemi, in line with the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu’s emphasis on preventive and community-oriented policing.
During the programme, police officers educated the youths on the dangers associated with cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime, gang violence and other forms of criminality.
The officers explained how involvement in cult groups and drug abuse could negatively affect young people's education, careers and future prospects. They also highlighted the connection between substance abuse and other crimes, including internet fraud and violent offences.
The youths were encouraged to exercise self-discipline, make responsible decisions and avoid negative peer pressure.
The police also urged participants to become ambassadors against social vices in their schools, homes and communities by speaking out against criminal behaviour and encouraging their peers to make positive choices.
A major highlight of the programme was a collective pledge by the youths. Participants promised to reject cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime and other social vices while promoting responsible behaviour and positive values.
The Ogun State Police Command said the initiative forms part of POCACOV's wider mandate to prevent crime through education, youth engagement and community partnerships.
The command maintained that tackling criminality among young people requires more than arrests and prosecution, stressing the importance of early intervention and continuous engagement with youths.
The police have continued to expand similar sensitisation programmes across Ogun State, including engagements with students of tertiary institutions. In July, more than 150 students of the National Association of Crime Management Students at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, were sensitised on cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime and other emerging criminal threats.
The Ogun Command has also urged parents, schools, community leaders and other stakeholders to work with security agencies to guide young people towards productive activities.
According to the police, sustained collaboration with young people can help strengthen community security while reducing the recruitment of youths into criminal groups.
The latest pledge by the Ogun youths comes amid growing concerns over cultism, substance abuse and cybercrime among young Nigerians, with authorities increasingly focusing on prevention and awareness alongside traditional law-enforcement operations.
The police said it would continue its youth-focused programmes as part of efforts to build safer schools and communities across Ogun State.
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