By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
The Imo State Police Command and Shekinah British International School (SBIS), Ihiagwa, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, have intensified efforts to discourage cultism, hard drug abuse and other social vices among young people through a sensitisation campaign targeting secondary school students.
The campaign, organised under the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), was held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the school, where students were urged to shun negative associations and behaviours capable of jeopardising their academic pursuits, future ambitions and personal development.
Addressing the students, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, explained that the initiative was designed to encourage secondary school students across the country to avoid cultism, hard drugs and other unlawful activities that could expose them to criminal behaviour and destroy their future prospects.
According to him, the campaign aligns with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, to police commissioners across the country to intensify efforts to tackle cultism and other social vices among young people.
Okoye disclosed that the Imo State Police Command, under Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso, had intensified the campaign, with sensitisation visits to more than 100 schools across the state.
Expressing concern over the increasing number of young people held in detention facilities over alleged criminal activities, the police spokesman warned the students against engaging in unlawful acts punishable under the law.
He also drew their attention to the existence of juvenile courts and custodial centres for minors, urging them to make responsible choices and avoid actions that could bring them into conflict with the law.
The PPRO encouraged the students to uphold the moral values instilled in them by the school and become ambassadors of POCACOV by promoting responsible conduct among their peers.
He further urged them to embrace their responsibilities as future leaders and contribute positively to society.
Okoye commended the management of Shekinah British International School for providing a conducive learning environment that supports the academic and moral development of its students.
He assured the school of the police command's continued commitment to strengthening school safety and protecting young people across Imo State.
In his remarks, the proprietor of SBIS, Dr. Smart Unegbu, commended the police for the initiative, stressing the importance of reaching young people early with the right values and guidance.
Unegbu said the school remained committed to grooming students to become problem-solvers and future transformational leaders, adding that its educational philosophy went beyond academic excellence to include character formation and responsible citizenship.
Other speakers at the event encouraged the students to embrace good conduct, demonstrate discipline and prioritise their education.
They highlighted the dangers and consequences of cultism, drug abuse and other social vices, urging the students to distinguish themselves through positive behaviour and academic achievements that would make their parents, school and country proud.
Those who addressed the students included the Imo State POCACOV Coordinator, ASP Ebuka Gospel; the immediate past chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Mr. Chukwuma Chukwunyere; his wife, Mrs. Millicent Chukwunyere; the Principal of SBIS, Mr. Christian Modebe and a media professional and peace advocate, Mr. Collins Osuji.
Responding on behalf of the students, the President of the SBIS Students' Union Government, Chinedu Anoruo, expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force and the school management for providing the students with the opportunity to benefit from the POCACOV initiative.
Anoruo said the campaign aligned with the school's standards and values, pledging that the students would uphold the principles of discipline, responsible conduct and academic excellence.
Similarly, students Amajuoyi Mildred and Nwokeocha Delight, who spoke during interviews, described the sensitisation programme as impactful and enriching.
They pledged to shun negative activities and remain focused on their education, expressing their determination to make their school, parents and Nigeria proud through their conduct and future accomplishments.
