By Adejo Aishat.
As the nation grapples with the disturbing menace of kidnappings and other related security threats, a security expert, Mr Austine Ogaga, has advocated for the use of technology in fighting crime in the country.
The American based Nigerian from Delta state who recently developed a software that can prevent, respond and investigate crime digitally has expressed readiness to collaborate with the government and other relevant stakeholders in curbing insecurity in Nigeria.
In an exclusive chat with newsmen, he said his organisation, WestZone Services limited, a software development company, was interested in partnering with the government to manage insecurity through tailored security apps, trackers and monitoring systems both online and offline.
Mr. Ogaga reiterated confidence in the President Muhammadu Buhari as well Governor Yahaha Bello led administrations in addressing the rising security threats and enjoined them to adopt technology as a way out.
According to him, the software developed by his organization would go a long way in complimenting the proposed community policing and promoting Digital Policing System in the country.
“This is the 21st Century and war against terrorism, kidnapping and insecurity are fought via technology globally. This is where Nigeria is lacking. Technology should be deployed along with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to fight insecurity. Once technology is deployed offline and online insecurity rate would drop drastically.
“Today, police departments around the world are using surveillance cameras, gunshot detection systems, automated license plate readers, facial recognition software, body cameras, drones, DNA Based Identification and Tracking System and numerous databases to prevent, respond and investigate crimes. Once deployed as designed and managed fully in line with recommendations, criminals would think twice before they act,” he added.
He assured that Nigeria would be a safer country when the digital policing system is adopted. While noting that the project can generate revenue for the nation and states, and also create employment opportunities through the running of it’s operations when his software is deployed to the fullest.
