Sokoto Police Launch POCACOV Chapter to Tackle Cultism, Drug Abuse
The Sokoto State Police Command has inaugurated the state chapter of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) as part of efforts to strengthen community-based crime prevention, youth engagement and public safety.
The inauguration ceremony, held on October 17, 2026, at the Command’s Auditorium, was presided over by the Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, alongside members of the Command’s management team.
The event attracted three District Heads representing Sokoto’s three senatorial districts on behalf of the Sultan of Sokoto, as well as representatives of security agencies, civil society organisations, youth groups, traditional and religious institutions, market associations and transport unions.
Other participants included representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other stakeholders committed to promoting peace and security in the state.
Police Commissioner Highlights POCACOV’s Objectives
Speaking at the event, CP Shaffa charged members of the newly inaugurated chapter to remain committed, proactive and diligent in advancing the initiative’s objectives.
He identified public enlightenment, community engagement, and positive youth development through collaboration with relevant stakeholders as the three major pillars of POCACOV.
The commissioner explained that the initiative seeks to raise public awareness about the dangers of cultism and other social vices, encourage grassroots participation in crime prevention, and empower young people to make responsible decisions.
He called on residents and relevant stakeholders to support the initiative, assuring the chapter of the Command’s full backing to enable it to discharge its responsibilities effectively.
Muhammad Named State Coordinator
The newly inaugurated chapter has ASP Ibrahim Mustapha Muhammad as State Coordinator, while Abubakar Magaji Yabo will serve as State Chairman.
Other principal officers include DSP Ahmad Rufa’i as State Technical Adviser, CSP Kabiru Ahmad as Legal Adviser, Kabiru Muhammad Mahe as Secretary-General, and Saidat Hussaini as Organising Secretary.
Maryam Abubakar Binji was appointed Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Officer, while Khadija Raji Abdullahi will serve as Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer.
Other members include Abdulrazaq Shehu, Ibrahim M. Gada, Kabiru Garba, Bashar Gandi, Comrade Hussaini Muhammad, Sakina Ahmad, Lawal Ahmad and Abdulkarim Abdul. Alhaji Nura Attajiri was appointed Patron.
The District Heads of Binji, Gandi and Ungushi were also designated as zonal focal persons for Sokoto Central, East and South Senatorial Districts, respectively.
Chairman Calls for Collective Action Against Social Vices
In his remarks, the State Chairman expressed appreciation to the Commissioner of Police for his leadership, encouragement and approval for the inauguration.
He also commended the representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto and other stakeholders for their participation and commitment to building a safer and more peaceful state.
The chairman stressed that POCACOV was designed to prevent cultism, drug abuse, youth violence and other social vices through public awareness, community participation, youth development and strategic partnerships.
He noted that challenges confronting young people, including drug abuse, cultism, political thuggery, cybercrime and the dangerous pursuit of quick wealth, could not be tackled by the police alone.
According to him, addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts involving government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, parents, schools, businesses, civil society organisations and young people themselves.
The chapter said its success would depend on the commitment of its members and the active participation of communities and other stakeholders across Sokoto State.
It called on residents to support the initiative as part of broader efforts to prevent crime, protect young people and promote lasting peace and security.
