The Gombe State Police Command has intensified its campaign against cultism, thuggery (Kalare), drug abuse and other social vices with a sensitisation programme for students of Government Secondary School, Pantami (Malam Kuri), in Akko Local Government Area.
According to an official signed statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Gombe State Command, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the awareness campaign was conducted under the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, on intelligence-led, community-oriented and proactive policing.
The statement said the Command’s POCACOV Coordinator, ASP Eram Naomi, led the sensitisation exercise during the school’s Career Day programme, where students and staff were educated on the dangers of cultism, thuggery (Kalare), drug abuse and other social vices.
As part of the programme, the Divisional Police Officer, Pantami Division, CSP Umar Ahmed Sanda, delivered a career talk, urging students to make informed career choices, respect the rule of law and partner with the police by reporting suspicious activities within their schools and communities.
The interactive session also gave students the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance on career development and crime prevention.
The police further educated the students on the consequences of involvement in criminal activities, highlighting drug abuse as a major catalyst for violence, cultism, thuggery and other offences among youths. They were encouraged to reject criminal behaviour and bullying, remain disciplined, focus on their education and become responsible, law-abiding citizens.
Commenting on the initiative, the Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, mnips, fwc, psc (+), reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to proactive policing through sustained community engagement and youth-focused awareness programmes.
He said educating young people on the dangers of cultism, thuggery, drug abuse and other social vices remains a key strategy for building a safer and more peaceful Gombe State.
The Commissioner also reiterated the Command’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with schools, parents, traditional institutions, religious leaders and other community stakeholders to protect young people from criminal influences and promote responsible citizenship.
The Command expressed appreciation to the management, staff and students of Government Secondary School, Pantami (Malam Kuri), for their cooperation and support during the sensitisation programme.
