The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Tuesday, inaugurated an anti-crime outreach programme at Jiwa, a suburb of Abuja, as part of to promote and entrench community policing in the country.
Blueprint reports that the programme initiated by the Police Campaign Against Cultism & Other Vices (POCACOV) with the theme: ‘Breaking the Circle: Parental Responsibility in Preventing Youth Crime’ is aimed at addressing critical social issues impacting the youth as well as fostering a more resilient community.
The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a press statement on the programme noted that about 500 participants including parents, local leaders, and youth representatives attended the event.
According to Adejobi, the event served as a platform for discussion, learning, and engagement on implementing targeted strategies to combat pressing issues such as cultism, drug misuse and abuse, as well as other social vices which threaten the well-being of the youth.
He said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, while encouraging the participants to key into the community policing initiative, emphasised the intention of the NPF to encourage collaborative spirit among members of various communities with focus on the importance of parental responsibility and proactive measures in youth crime prevention.
“By bringing together diverse stakeholders and facilitating meaningful dialogue, the Force aims to contribute to creating a safer and more supportive environment for the youth and families, as a microcosm of the society.
“Additionally, youth development and rehabilitation programmes and skill acquisition projects were also introduced to equip youths with constructive alternatives to criminality and fostering self-sufficiency within the community. Various palliatives like food stuff, educational kits, hosusehold items, and other materials were also distributed during the outreach,” the statement read in part.