NPF Suspends POCACOV Activities

..As Police Plans Strategic Revamp, Restructuring

By Daniel Dafe

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.

The police said this on Thursday in a statement on Friday signed by ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.

According to the statement, “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.”

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The statement added: “Acknowledging the crucial role of POCACOV in advancing community engagement and tackling social vices, the Force recognizes the necessity of halting all pending programs and outreaches, initiated by the present national coordinator, CSP Ebere Amarizu, to facilitate a thorough assessment and restructuring of the initiative to spread across the six geopolitical zones, each with its respective coordinator. This temporary suspension aims to realign POCACOV’s strategies, ensuring they effectively address contemporary security challenges and holistically serve Nigerian communities better than its present localised 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 police said.

Adding: “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.”