…Inaugurates POCACOV Leaders Across Communities, Institutions
PORT HARCOURT — The Rivers State Police Command has warned youths against allowing themselves to be recruited as political thugs, cultists or agents of violence ahead of future elections.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, gave the warning during the command’s 2026 International Youth Day celebration in Port Harcourt, where he inaugurated leaders of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) across communities and tertiary institutions in the state.
Speaking on the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess on Saturday, Adepoju said young people had a major role to play in building a peaceful, secure and prosperous Rivers State.
He urged youths to reject political thuggery, cultism, drug abuse, violence and other criminal activities, warning that involvement in such acts could destroy their future and undermine development in the state.
The police boss advised young people to channel their energy, creativity and talents into productive ventures that would promote peace, development and growth in their communities.
Adepoju said the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to improving its relationship with young people through engagement programmes, mentorship and community policing initiatives aimed at building trust and strengthening security.
He assured the youths that the command would continue to support initiatives designed to create a safe and conducive environment for them to pursue their aspirations.
The Commissioner also commended the resilience and contributions of young Nigerians to national development, urging them to embrace responsible citizenship and become agents of positive change.
In her keynote address, titled “Election Thuggery: The Role of Youths in Promoting Peaceful Elections,” the Head of Gender and Anti-Trafficking, State Criminal Investigations Department, ACP Rachel Opadola, urged youths to resist attempts by politicians to use them as instruments of electoral violence.
Opadola encouraged young people to become active participants in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy rather than allowing themselves to be manipulated for political purposes.
“Don’t be a political weapon, be a democratic force. The future of our democracy is not only in the hands of politicians.
“It is also in the hands of the youth. Say no to election thuggery, say yes to peaceful participation, say yes to a better future,” she said.
Also speaking, Justin Briggs of the Rivers Speakers, Youths Assembly of Nigeria, commended the police for the initiative, describing it as timely as the state enters another electioneering period.
“We appreciate the police for this initiative. It is a good one for our state, especially now that we are going into an electioneering period.
“We understand that the youths have more to contribute. We want a peaceful Rivers State and a peaceful Nigeria,” Briggs said.
The celebration brought together youth organisations, community leaders, security stakeholders and police officers, who discussed challenges facing young people and their role in promoting peace, security and national development.
