Inspector General of Police Launches Quick Response App for Schools in Ogun State
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has launched the VGS—VIGISCOPE application, designed to improve emergency response and reporting systems for schools across Nigeria.
The app was introduced after a two-day seminar held in Ogun State from November 26 to 27, 2024, where the Safe School Protection Squad was also inaugurated. According to Omolola Odutola, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, the VIGISCOPE app functions as a responsive alert system linked to a central command base in Abuja, enabling quick identification of emergencies and coordination of immediate responses.
The VIGISCOPE app allows students or school principals to connect directly to the central base via a smartphone during an emergency, sending an alert to request help or report incidents. It is designed to enhance technical intelligence in crime resolution, facilitate access to remote areas, and ensure effective information sharing for threat detection.
The app is internet-enabled, which allows schools in Ogun State to utilize it wherever internet access is available. When danger is detected, users can send a ‘rescue me’ message, activating the central headquarters to coordinate a rapid response.
The app’s capabilities include identifying distress signals, reporting emergencies, and facilitating coordinated actions between tactical teams and commanders. It also helps police officers access areas that may be difficult to reach, reducing the risk of casualties and supporting the interception of threats. The app’s integration of real-time data ensures that authorities can respond to incidents efficiently and promptly, enhancing overall school safety.
Odutola emphasized that the VIGISCOPE app is particularly beneficial for schools in Ogun State, where internet service is available, offering a critical tool for students and staff to get assistance in times of danger. Once an alert is sent, the VGS central headquarters is notified, and tactical commanders are dispatched to provide swift rescue efforts, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.
