The Nigeria Police Force has formalised a partnership with the Edo State Government on Project RISE, an initiative designed to address cultism, kidnapping, and related youth crimes through early intervention and community engagement.
The collaboration was agreed upon during a high-level meeting held on Wednesday at Force Headquarters, Abuja, where the Convener of Project RISE and Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Special Duties, Hon. Uriesi Aarebamen Alex, met with Assistant Commissioner of Police Oluwaseyi Olabisi Okuwobi, National Coordinator of the Nigeria Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV).
According to a statement released by Uriesi’s media office, the session was attended by officials from both Project RISE and the POCACOV unit, where they discussed strategies to reduce youth involvement in cultism and kidnapping, with a focus on education, mentorship, and rehabilitation.
ACP Okuwobi commended the initiative, noting that it aligns with the police’s evolving approach to tackling crime at its roots. “We believe in catching them before they fall. Policing in Nigeria must now include psychological and educational interventions, not just punitive responses,” she said.
The POCACOV coordinator stated that the police had already mapped out a national strategy for youth engagement and would work closely with Project RISE to implement the model in Edo State, with potential for expansion across other states.
Project RISE, which stands for Resisting Initiation, Securing Education, is a state-led programme aimed at preventing youth involvement in cultism through school outreach, vocational training, and psychosocial support. Its first major public sensitisation event is scheduled for August in Benin City.
Hon. Uriesi described the partnership with POCACOV as a significant milestone for the project. “What began as a state initiative is now taking shape as a national campaign. This partnership provides the credibility and structure needed to create sustainable change,” he said.
Project RISE has received endorsements from several civil society organisations, educational institutions, and security stakeholders, as the state government seeks to tackle the rising trend of cultism and youth crime.
Both parties expressed optimism about forming a joint task force to engage communities, schools, and religious institutions with practical intervention programmes aimed at reducing youth vulnerability to criminal recruitment.
As preparations continue for the August event, the partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and Edo State Government represents a strategic shift towards preventive policing, aiming to address the root causes of youth involvement in cultism and kidnapping across the state and beyond.
