By Kazeem Waris
The Sokoto State Police Command has launched a campaign against cultism, drug abuse, political thuggery and other social vices, mobilising traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups and community stakeholders to strengthen crime prevention across the state.
The initiative, under the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), was inaugurated on October 17, 2026, at the command’s auditorium in Sokoto as part of efforts to address youth-related violence and prevent young people from being drawn into criminal activities.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, who presided over the inauguration, charged members of the newly established state chapter to demonstrate commitment, vigilance and diligence in tackling the security challenges confronting communities.
He stressed that the fight against cultism and other social vices required more than conventional policing, urging stakeholders to embrace public enlightenment, grassroots mobilisation and sustained engagement with young people.
Shaffa said the campaign was designed to address the underlying social conditions that expose youths to criminal associations, while promoting responsible behaviour, peaceful coexistence and collective responsibility for security.
He identified public enlightenment, community engagement and positive youth development as the three major pillars of the initiative.
According to him, the campaign would focus on educating residents about the dangers of cultism and other vices, strengthening cooperation between security agencies and communities, and creating opportunities for constructive engagement with young people.
The police commissioner assured members of the newly inaugurated chapter of the command’s support, urging them to translate the campaign’s objectives into practical interventions capable of discouraging criminal activities and preventing violence.
He also called on government agencies, families, schools, traditional institutions, religious organisations and civil society groups to work together to protect young people from destructive influences.
The inauguration attracted representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto, including three district heads representing the state’s senatorial districts, as well as officials of the Department of State Services, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Other participants included traditional and religious leaders, youth organisations, civil society groups, market associations, commercial motorcycle operators, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and philanthropists.
As part of the inauguration, ASP Ibrahim Mustapha Muhammad was appointed state coordinator, while Abubakar Magaji Yabo emerged as state chairman.
Other principal officers appointed include DSP Ahmad Rufa’i as technical adviser, CSP Kabiru Ahmad as legal adviser, Kabiru Muhammad Mahe as secretary-general, Saidat Hussaini as organising secretary, Maryam Abubakar Binji as gender-based violence officer and Khadija Raji Abdullahi as mental health and psychosocial support officer.
Additional 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 named patron.
The district heads of Binji, Gandi and Ungushi were also designated zonal focal persons for Sokoto Central, Sokoto East and Sokoto South Senatorial Districts, respectively.
In his remarks, the state chairman expressed appreciation to the commissioner for providing the leadership and institutional support that facilitated the inauguration. He also commended participating stakeholders for their willingness to contribute to a safer and more peaceful Sokoto State.
He warned that cultism, drug abuse, political thuggery, cybercrime and the pursuit of quick wealth posed challenges requiring a coordinated response beyond law enforcement operations.
He called on parents, schools, community leaders, religious institutions, businesses and young people to take greater responsibility for preventing vulnerable youths from becoming involved in criminal activities.
The newly inaugurated chapter urged residents across the state to support the campaign through timely sharing of credible information, public enlightenment and active participation in community-based security initiatives.
It expressed confidence that sustained collaboration between the police and the public would help prevent crime, protect young people and strengthen security across Sokoto State.
