The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has approved the appointment of SP Orvenonne Ikwen as the new National Coordinator of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV). The initiative, a key national programme of the Nigeria Police Force, focuses on non-kinetic strategies to curb cultism and a wide range of social vices.

This appointment reflects the IGP’s dedication to modern, intelligence-driven, technology-enabled, and citizen-focused policing. It also reinforces his commitment to early intervention, public confidence, and proactive community engagement as essential tools for preventing crime across the country.

SP Ikwen, a seasoned police officer with extensive experience in security development and strategic communication, brings a rich blend of academic and professional expertise to the position. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science from the University of Calabar. Over the years, she has distinguished herself through her contributions to technology-powered policing, public relations, research, and behavioural change communication. She is also a member of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (ISMN) and the Institute of Conflict Management & Negotiation Analyst (ICMNA).

In her new role, SP Ikwen is expected to broaden and strengthen POCACOV’s outreach across schools, higher institutions, communities, and youth groups. Her mandate includes addressing cultism, drug abuse, cyber vulnerabilities, gender-based violence, misinformation, and other social concerns through preventive, inclusive, and community-driven approaches.

The Inspector-General of Police further encourages SP Ikwen to deploy innovative strategies in crime prevention and deepen partnerships with stakeholders, community leaders, educational institutions, youth organisations, and longstanding supporters of the POCACOV vision.