The Kwara State Police Command has intensified efforts to combat cultism and other social vices among young people, urging students to reject criminal activities and embrace discipline, integrity and responsible citizenship.
The admonition was given during the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) Security Awareness Programme for Schools held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Ilorin, where security agencies, legal practitioners, school administrators and students gathered to discuss strategies for tackling insecurity in schools.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Adekimi Ojo, described schools as safe spaces where children should learn and develop without fear of violence or criminal influence.
He warned that the growing cases of cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, bullying, examination malpractice and other social vices pose serious threats to the future of young Nigerians.
“The increasing threats of cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, bullying, examination malpractice, violence and other social vices pose serious challenges to the safety and future of our young people.
“These issues demand collective action from security agencies, parents, teachers, religious leaders, traditional institutions and the wider community,” Ojo said.
The police commissioner explained that the Nigeria Police Force has embraced preventive policing through education, community engagement and partnerships, noting that POCACOV was created to discourage youths from engaging in criminal activities.
Addressing the students, Ojo urged them to avoid bad company and focus on building successful careers.
“Reject cultism, drug abuse, internet fraud, violence and every activity that can destroy your dreams. Instead, embrace discipline, honesty, hard work, respect for others and dedication to your studies,” he advised.
He also appealed to parents and teachers to remain actively involved in the lives of children by providing moral guidance and maintaining open communication.
According to him, lasting peace can only be achieved when government agencies, schools, religious organisations, traditional institutions, civil society groups and the private sector work together to prevent crime.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of POCACOV, ASP Ibrahim Muritala, described the awareness programme as an investment in the future of Nigerian children.
He said the initiative was designed to educate students on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, examination malpractice, bullying and other anti-social behaviours before they become victims or perpetrators.
“Today’s programme is not merely another gathering; it is a strategic investment in the future of our children and our nation. Prevention is always better than cure.
“Through education, awareness and positive engagement, we can redirect our youths from destructive behaviours towards productive and meaningful lives,” Muritala stated.
He urged students to reject peer pressure and make choices that would secure their future.
“The choices you make today will determine the kind of future you will enjoy tomorrow. Say no to cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, examination malpractice, violence and every form of criminality,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Yusuf Ali, represented by Obayomi Olaitan of Yusuf Ali & Co., warned students against joining secret cults, saying such decisions often end in regret.
“Don’t allow yourself to get lost in these groups because the punishment will take away your future. It is not worth it,” he cautioned.
Ali further stressed that security is a collective responsibility, urging members of the public to report suspicious activities to security agencies.
“The real security issues are before all of us. Everybody has a role to play. We should create a safer society, and if you notice suspicious activities or strange movements in your community, you should raise the alarm,” he added.
A retired Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ajayi Okasanmi, who delivered a lecture on the causes and consequences of cultism and social vices, traced the history of cultism in Nigeria and warned that peer pressure, poor parental supervision, drug abuse, unemployment and weak moral values continue to fuel youth involvement in criminal groups.
He noted that cultism has contributed to violent clashes, poor academic performance, school dropouts, insecurity and the loss of promising young lives.
Okasanmi urged parents, schools, government and community leaders to strengthen mentorship, counselling and awareness programmes, while encouraging students to choose good friends, reject invitations to secret groups and report suspicious activities to appropriate authorities.
The event featured presentations by representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), all of whom reinforced the need for sustained collaboration to keep schools safe and free from crime.
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