Nigeria Police Launch Youth Sensitization Campaign Against Crime and Substance Abuse

The Nigeria Police in Ogun State are actively engaging academic institutions, civil society organizations, parents, and community leaders to steer young people away from destructive paths and towards productive, vice-free lifestyles. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat rising crime rates.

During the 8th Set Academic Seminar of the Mass Communication Department at Al-Hikmah University, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, delivered a paper highlighting the critical connection between drug abuse and escalating violent crime. He stated that the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, is prioritizing non-kinetic crime prevention methods, focusing on targeted youth outreach and multi-agency advocacy.

The command has implemented two significant public sensitization programs. The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) conducts interactive sessions on self-discipline, leadership, and the dangers of gang involvement. Additionally, Peace Club Abeokuta advocates against moral decay and substance abuse, which are identified as primary catalysts for violent crimes such as cultism, armed robbery, and cybercrime.

Babaseyi urged students to embrace entrepreneurship as both an economic strategy and a security measure. He also stressed the vital role of media practitioners in shaping responsible public discourse to support youth-centric crime prevention efforts. The seminar brought together educators and students from various tertiary institutions across the state.

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