The Niger State Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, POCACOV, has partnered with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, to launch joint sensitization and advocacy programmes aimed at preventing drug abuse, cultism and youth crime in the state.
The collaboration was sealed on Wednesday, 20th August 2026, when the POCACOV delegation paid a courtesy visit to the NDLEA State Commander, CN Shehu M. Gwadabawa, at the Agency’s office in Minna.
The delegation was led by the State POCACOV Coordinator, ASP Simon T. Lough.
During the engagement, POCACOV introduced its mandate and preventive policing approach, while commending NDLEA for its sustained efforts in combating drug and substance abuse among young people.
ASP Lough highlighted the link between drug abuse and other social vices such as cultism, thuggery, cybercrime and youth violence. He stressed the need for early intervention, mentorship, and sustained sensitization to prevent young people from being drawn into crime.
POCACOV sought NDLEA’s support to implement joint advocacy programmes across schools, communities and worship centres in Niger State.
The goal, according to POCACOV, is to equip young people and vulnerable groups with practical knowledge on the dangers of drug abuse, cultism and cybercrime, while promoting positive values, life skills and responsible decision-making.
“The proposed partnership will enable both agencies to leverage their respective expertise, structures and platforms to strengthen preventive interventions and facilitate early identification and response to emerging threats affecting young people,” Lough said.
In his response, CN Gwadabawa welcomed the initiative and noted that sustained inter-agency collaboration is key to tackling the root causes of drug abuse and associated criminality.
He explained NDLEA’s dual approach of Drug Supply Reduction and Drug Demand Reduction, adding that the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, initiative provides a strong platform for public sensitization and advocacy.
The State Commander expressed support for preventive initiatives targeting young people and vulnerable communities, and assured POCACOV of NDLEA’s “continued synergy and support” for its activities.
The visit, according to POCACOV, further strengthened the existing relationship between both agencies and reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting young people and communities from drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime and other vices.
POCACOV said it remains committed to deepening partnerships with relevant stakeholders “to build informed, resilient and responsible communities, where young people are adequately guided, mentored and empowered to make positive, lawful and productive choices.”