CP Aliyu Hands Youth Anti-Cultism Initiative to POCACOV, Seeks Stronger Police-Youth Trust
By Samuel Luka
BAUCHI — The Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has called for a whole-of-society approach to tackling cultism, cybercrime, drug abuse and political violence, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force cannot secure the future of young people alone.
CP Aliyu made the call on Thursday at the 2026 International Youth Day celebration held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Bauchi, where he formally handed over the Command’s youth engagement initiative to the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) to ensure continuity and wider implementation.
Addressing police officers, students and youth leaders at the event, the Commissioner said combating youth-related crimes requires the collective efforts of parents, teachers, religious and traditional leaders, community stakeholders and young people themselves.
«“The police cannot do it alone. We need parents, teachers, religious and traditional leaders, community stakeholders, and most importantly, the youth themselves,” he said.»
CP Aliyu also urged police officers to adopt a more professional and empathetic approach in their interactions with young people, noting that building mutual trust is essential to effective policing and crime prevention.
«“Work with professionalism, empathy and commitment to protecting the rights of our youth. We must build trust, not fear,” the Commissioner said.»
Speaking directly to the youths, CP Aliyu urged them to take responsibility for their future and resist attempts by individuals and groups to exploit them for criminal or political purposes.
«“You are the architects of your destiny. Do not allow anyone to use you as cannon fodder for political violence. Do not let the lure of quick money from cybercrime destroy your future,” he warned.»
The handover to POCACOV, the police’s community-oriented crime prevention initiative, is expected to strengthen and sustain sensitisation campaigns in schools, tertiary institutions and communities across Bauchi State.
Also speaking at the celebration, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Musa Muhammad Ahmadu, identified desperation, peer pressure, lack of mentorship and low self-esteem as some of the factors that make young people vulnerable to exploitation.
According to him, some political actors and criminal elements deliberately target vulnerable youths with financial incentives before using them to carry out destructive activities.
«“Identify a vulnerable youth, offer a small financial incentive, and demand destructive actions in return. Once the election is over, you are discarded while sponsors walk free,” ACP Ahmadu said.»
He also linked political thuggery to drug abuse, warning that substance abuse can make young people more vulnerable to manipulation and criminal behaviour.
«“Drugs destroy your mind, your body, and your future,” he warned.»
On the growing challenges associated with the digital space, ACP Ahmadu outlined what he described as a “Digital Responsibility Pathway” for young people.
He urged youths to protect their digital identities, verify information before sharing it, reject misinformation and report suspicious online activities to the appropriate authorities.
«“Use social media to promote education, entrepreneurship and positive values,” he advised.»
The police officer further cautioned youths against cybercrime, stressing that involvement in online fraud could have long-term consequences for their education, employment opportunities and personal reputation.
«“Cybercrime is not smart. It is evil. Your digital footprint is permanent, and a criminal record follows you for life,” he said.»
He explained that the campaign would focus on educating young people about the dangers of political and digital thuggery, empowering them to use their talents productively, involving them in community safety initiatives and protecting them from criminal networks and exploitative political actors.
ACP Ahmadu urged young Nigerians to reject financial inducements for violence and fraud and instead pursue education, vocational skills, entrepreneurship and legitimate economic opportunities.
«“Be the young person who says no to money for violence and fraud. Be the young person who says yes to education, skills and legitimate enterprise,” he added.»
The initiative is expected to deepen police engagement with young people across Bauchi State while promoting community-based crime prevention, responsible citizenship and stronger cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the younger generation.