‘Crime Does Not Pay’ – IGP Egbetokun Tells Youth

Crime is a dead-end street: no glory, no riches, just a fast track to trouble. And the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, is making sure young people get this message loud and clear. Instead of waiting for crimes to happen and cracking down after the fact, he’s flipping the script. He’s all about stopping crime before it even starts!

In a bold move to tackle cultism, drug abuse, and other crimes, the IGP has launched a fresh, smart policing strategy, one that prioritizes dialogue over brute force. The goal? To steer young people away from bad choices before they land in serious trouble.

Speaking at the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices in Lagos, the IGP (represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani) laid it out straight. Law enforcement alone won’t solve the problem. What will? A mix of community engagement, education, and good old behavioral change.

“We must understand that crime does not pay,” he emphasized. “Too many young people are caught up in cultism, drugs, and other dangerous activities, leading to worse crimes like armed robbery and assault. This initiative is here to pull them back before it’s too late.”

Enter Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olabisi Okuwobi, the National Coordinator of POCACOV. She’s got a clear vision: tackle crime at the root by working with parents, religious leaders, teachers, and community heads. Basically, get the whole squad involved.

The IGP is taking a different approach. Rather than waiting for crimes to happen, he’s making sure they don’t. And how is he doing it? By taking the message straight to communities where young people are most at risk.

This campaign isn’t just talk; it’s action. The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) even provided transportation for attendees, knowing that fasting during Ramadan can make travel tough. Plus, participants got Islamic materials to keep them inspired long after the event.

This initiative isn’t a one-time thing it’s built to last. Through the POCACOV program, the police are rolling out a ‘carrot-and-stick’ approach. If you’re ready to change, there are mentorship, rehabilitation, and skill-building programs waiting for you. But if you stay on the wrong path, the law will have to step in.

“We are partnering with schools, markets, mosques, churches, and traditional institutions to spread this message,” ACP Okuwobi explained. “If you’re in a cult, quit now. If you need help, we’ve got your back. But if you refuse to change, be ready for the consequences.”

At the end of the day, the message is simple: crime might look tempting, but it’s a trap. It never ends well. Instead, why not channel your energy into something that builds your future? Whether it’s learning new skills, starting a business, or giving back to your community, there are way better ways to shine.