The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its fight against cultism and other social vices, as the Edo State Police Command rolled out a high-impact sensitisation programme for students as part of activities marking the 2026 National Police Day Celebration 2026.
On day three of the celebration, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, alongside the Edo State Coordinator of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, Kingsley Upeh, took the campaign directly to students at Igbinedion Education Centre.
The interactive session focused on the dangers of cultism, bullying, and other negative influences, with police officials warning that involvement in cult-related activities often leads to violence, loss of life, shattered ambitions, and lasting legal consequences.
Students were exposed to real-life scenarios illustrating how seemingly minor decisions can spiral into serious criminal behaviour, linking cultism to drug abuse, peer pressure, and organised crime networks.
The police team also tackled bullying, stressing that it is not only morally unacceptable but punishable under the law. Students were urged to report incidents promptly to school authorities.
Beyond warnings, the session emphasised self-discipline, critical thinking, and the courage to resist peer pressure, encouraging students to focus on education, skills acquisition, and constructive social engagement.
Participants were further charged to see themselves as stakeholders in community safety—acting as ambassadors of peace, reporting suspicious activities, and supporting law enforcement efforts to combat crime.
The initiative, driven by POCACOV, underscores a shift from reactive policing to preventive engagement, as the police seek to build trust with young people and tackle criminality at its roots.
Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the programme remains a critical part of the Command’s proactive policing strategy aimed at ensuring a safer Edo State.
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