The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has introduced the VGS (VIGISCOPE) application, a cutting-edge emergency reporting and response system aimed at enhancing the safety of schools across Nigeria.
The app’s launch was announced on Thursday by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, following a two-day seminar held from November 26 to 27, 2024. The seminar also marked the inauguration of the Safe School Protection Squad, an initiative designed to bolster security in educational institutions.
Odutola explained that the VGS app operates as a centralized alert system connected to a command base in Abuja, enabling swift identification and resolution of emergencies. She highlighted its key features, stating:
“It enhances technical intelligence in crime resolution and facilitates police access to difficult-to-reach areas, ensuring effective information sharing and threat detection. In the event of danger, students or school principals can connect to the central base via a smartphone to request immediate assistance or report incidents directly from the scene.”
The app, which is internet-enabled, is designed for ease of use in Ogun State and other areas with reliable internet access. Users can send a “rescue me” alert that immediately triggers a response from the VGS central headquarters.
Odutola further emphasized the app’s benefits, noting its ability to identify distress signals, report emergencies, and coordinate tactical responses. She said:
“It aids technical intelligence by helping police officers access otherwise inaccessible areas without casualties and supports the tactical interception of information and threat identification. When a subscriber of the App is in danger, they can send a rescue message, triggering an alert at the VGS central headquarters, which then contacts tactical commanders for rescue assistance within minutes.”
The introduction of the VGS app underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to leveraging technology to ensure the safety of schools and students, particularly in Ogun State, where schools can now tap into the app’s features to mitigate threats and improve response times.
