The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has appointed Superintendent of Police (SP) Orvenonne Ikwen as the new National Coordinator of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV).
The appointment, announced in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, on Saturday, signals a strategic shift towards technology-driven and non-kinetic approaches in combating social vices across the country.
POCACOV is the police’s flagship initiative designed to combat cultism and crime through advocacy, mentorship, and community engagement rather than solely relying on force.
Ikwen’s appointment aligns with Egbetokun’s vision for a “modern, intelligence-led, and citizen-centred” police force.
The leadership change is intended to prioritise early intervention, build public trust, and foster proactive community engagement to tackle crime at its roots.
The police highlighted Ikwen’s unique academic and professional background as a key asset for the campaign’s evolution.
Described as a security development practitioner and strategic communication expert, Ikwen holds a PhD in Computer Science, with a specialisation in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science from the University of Calabar.
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“She has distinguished herself through her contributions to technology-driven policing, public relations, and behavioural change communication,” the police stated.
She is also a member of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (ISMN) and the Institute of Conflict Management & Negotiation Analyst (ICMNA), bringing experience in police transformation projects and inter-agency collaboration.
In her new role, Ikwen has been tasked with expanding POCACOV’s reach into institutions of higher learning, secondary schools, and youth platforms.
Her mandate includes addressing a broad spectrum of modern social challenges, including: cultism and drug abuse, cyber vulnerabilities, gender-based violence (GBV) and the spread of misinformation.
The IGP urged her to deploy “preventive, participatory, and community-centred approaches” while exploring innovative strategies for crime prevention.
She is also expected to deepen collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including community leaders, educational institutions, and youth organisations that have supported the campaign’s vision over the years.
