Lagos starts campaign to fight cultism and drug abuse among youths

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has kicked off a campaign against cultism, drug abuse, and other crimes among young people. This campaign started in Agege Local Government Area and will spread to all 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in the state.

This information came from a statement signed by the agency’s media head, Samson Oki, which was shared with PUNCH Metro on Monday.

The campaign, known as the LSSTF Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices, aims to reduce crime by educating youths, engaging communities, and changing values.

While talking about the initiative, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, said the best way to achieve lasting security is to prevent crime before it happens. He stressed that waiting for arrests and prosecution is not enough.

Ogunsan said the campaign is a community effort designed to discourage cultism, drug use, youth violence, and other social problems. It also aims to promote responsible citizenship among young people.

“Security is most effective when we stop crime before it happens. Through the LSSTF-CACCOV, we are taking a preventive, community-driven approach that empowers young people with the right values, information, and opportunities to reject crime, cultism, and illicit drugs before they become victims or perpetrators,” Ogunsan stated.

He mentioned that the initiative will work with the Nigeria Police Force, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, local government authorities, traditional leaders, religious groups, schools, youth organizations, and other partners.

“No institution can build a secure society alone. When government bodies, communities, parents, schools, and young people come together, we create an environment where crime struggles to thrive,” he added.

Ogunsan explained that the campaign aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s youth development plan. This plan focuses on education, entrepreneurship, skills training, digital innovation, vocational training, and sports development to help reduce youth crime.

He pointed out that the state’s investments in youth empowerment are meant to tackle the root causes of crime. The goal is to help young people become productive members of society.

The campaign will be led by the State Coordinator of LSSTF-CACCOV, Dr Moses Oladimeji. He has previously managed various grassroots awareness programs in schools and communities across Lagos.

According to the LSSTF, this initiative has reached thousands of students and youths through campaigns against cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, rape, gang violence, and other social issues.

PUNCH Metro remembers that during the 2026 freshers’ orientation at Yaba College of Technology, Oladimeji advised students to avoid criminal activities and focus on discipline, integrity, and hard work.

He used the LSSTF boss, who is an alumnus of the school, as an example of how determination and good choices can lead to success, no matter one’s background.

In recent years, many have noted that cult-related violence has been a big security problem in Lagos. There have been ongoing clashes between rival gangs, leading to deaths, injuries, and damage to properties in areas such as Mushin, Agege, Ikorodu, Ojo, Alimosho, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, and Lagos Mainland. Security agencies have linked many incidents to supremacy battles between rival cult groups, putting innocent residents in danger.

This issue has also been tied to armed robbery, drug trafficking, extortion, and the recruitment of young people into crime. This has led to ongoing police crackdowns and concern from the community.