IGP Appoints SP Orvenonne Ikwen as National Coordinator of POCACOV

By Adesakin Adefemi
November 22, 2025

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). This strategic move is aimed at strengthening preventive policing and expanding community engagement in line with the IGP’s vision of people-friendly and rule-of-law-compliant policing.

SP Ikwen, an experienced police officer, security and development practitioner, and strategic communication expert, brings a strong blend of professional and academic credentials to her new role. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science, majoring in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science from the University of Calabar.

The appointment of SP Ikwen is part of the Nigeria Police Force’s efforts to modernize its approach to policing, making it more intelligence-led, technology-driven, and citizen-centred. This approach prioritizes early intervention, public trust, and proactive community engagement in tackling crime nationwide.

As National Coordinator, SP Ikwen is expected to expand and deepen POCACOV’s engagements across institutions of higher learning, schools, communities, and youth platforms. Her mandate includes addressing cultism, drug abuse, cyber vulnerabilities, gender-based violence, misinformation, and other social vices through preventive, participatory, and community-centred approaches.

SP Ikwen’s experience in technology-driven policing, public relations, and behavioural change communication makes her a suitable candidate for the role. She has distinguished herself through her contributions to police transformation projects, research, and inter-agency collaborations.

The Inspector General of Police urges SP Ikwen to explore innovative strategies for crime prevention, engage a diverse range of stakeholders, and build partnerships with organizations, community leaders, educational institutions, youth groups, and other partners who have been supporting the vision of the campaign.

POCACOV is a strategic national initiative of the Nigeria Police Force, designed to advance non-kinetic approaches in combating the menace of cultism and other social vices. The campaign aims to promote a safer and more secure environment for all Nigerians.

SP Ikwen is a member of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (ISMN) and the Institute of Conflict Management & Negotiation Analyst (ICMNA). Her appointment is seen as a significant step towards strengthening the Nigeria Police Force’s efforts to combat cultism and other social vices.

The appointment of SP Ikwen is also seen as a testament to the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to promoting women in leadership positions. Her success in this role is expected to inspire and motivate other women to take up leadership positions in the police force and other sectors.

The Nigeria Police Force is expected to benefit from SP Ikwen’s expertise and experience in technology-driven policing, public relations, and behavioural change communication. Her appointment is a welcome development in the country’s efforts to combat crime and promote public safety.

CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force Public Relations Officer, stated that the appointment of SP Ikwen is part of the Nigeria Police Force’s efforts to strengthen its commitment to people-friendly and rule-of-law-compliant policing.