IGP Egbetokun Appoints SP Orvenonne Ikwem as National Coordinator of POCACOV, Tasks Her With Strengthening Preventative Policing

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD., NPM, 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, driven by the Nigeria Police Force, promotes non-violent and preventive approaches to tackling cultism and other societal vices.

In a statement issued by CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, the appointment underscores the IGP’s commitment to modern, intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-focused policing. The announcement highlights the emphasis on early intervention, enhanced public trust, and proactive community participation to reduce crime nationwide.

SP Ikwen, an accomplished police officer, security and development expert, and strategic communication professional, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science from the University of Calabar. Her contributions to technology-based policing, public relations, and behavioral change communication have been widely recognized.

She is also a member of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (ISMN) and the Institute of Conflict Management & Negotiation Analysts (ICMNA), and has played key roles in police reform initiatives, research programs, and inter-agency collaborations.

As National Coordinator, SP Ikwen is expected to broaden and strengthen POCACOV’s partnerships with universities, schools, communities, and youth organizations. Her mandate includes addressing issues such as cultism, drug abuse, cyber vulnerabilities, gender-based violence, misinformation, and other related vices through preventive, participatory, and community-centered strategies.

The IGP encouraged SP Ikwen to deploy innovative crime prevention methods and continue working closely with stakeholders, community leaders, educational institutions, youth groups, and long-standing supporters of the POCACOV initiative to advance its mission nationwide.