Insecurity: Law enforcement agents need special IT training to analyse, interpret, NIN-SIM synchronisation data

AbdulMuizz Oyewole, the Chief Technology Officer of Madjatek Pro Technology Company, says in this interview that security challenges in Nigeria, despite the NIN-SIM synchronization, raise crucial questions about leveraging technology for public safety. The Microsoft accredited expert also says Nigeria’s security agencies need real-time information sharing among themselves.   As an IT expert, what do […]

AbdulMuizz Oyewole, the Chief Technology Officer of Madjatek Pro Technology Company, says in this interview that security challenges in Nigeria, despite the NIN-SIM synchronization, raise crucial questions about leveraging technology for public safety. The Microsoft accredited expert also says Nigeria’s security agencies need real-time information sharing among themselves.

 

As an IT expert, what do you think  is the way out of this insecurity problem in the country. Despite  the NIN-SIM synchronisation policy which was put in place to reduce crimes, crime rate is going up. What is the way out, using ICT?

The security challenge in Nigeria is multi-faceted and requires cooperation of all organs of government, public and private institutions and the entire citizenry for a holistic solution. Everyone has a role to play. The reported underutilization of NIN-SIM data highlights critical gaps, some of which I will highlight as follows: There is a need for streamlined protocols for security agencies to access and analyze NIN-SIM data promptly. Data privacy concerns must be addressed through secure frameworks and oversight mechanisms. Law enforcement agencies need training and resources to effectively analyze and interpret the vast amount of data generated by NIN-SIM synchronization. Advanced forensic tools, data visualization techniques and deployment of artificial intelligence can also play a crucial role here.

Similarly, inter-agency collaboration is highly necessary too. This is because lack of operational synergy limits effectiveness. A central intelligence unit integrating data from various agencies and fostering real-time information sharing is essential too.

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These are some of the gaps that I believe we need to fill to reap the benefits of the NIN-SIM synchronization.

How else do you think government can use IT to tackle kidnapping  and other crimes?

Nigeria as the most populous black nation with high cultural diversity is an indication that crime prevention has to be done with deployment of multiple strategies all designed to achieve a common goal: a country safe for all. Beyond NIN-SIM synchronization, the government can utilize IT in several other ways.

Government needs to deploy large number of Advanced Surveillance Systems (CCTV) networks and drone surveillance with facial recognition and automated anomaly detection in high-risk areas and integrate these systems with real-time communication tools for rapid response.

They also should utilize sophisticated software for predictive analytics; analyze crime patterns, identify hotspots, and predict potential criminal activity. This is another important strategy which can aid in proactive deployment of security resources for prevention rather than reaction.

They also need to invest more in robust cyber defence infrastructure to combat online scams and recruitment tactics used by criminal groups and carry out more aggressive public awareness campaigns about cyber threats. And for this to work they must demonstrate commitment and exemplary leadership in their attitude and disposition to crime and criminal groups across the country irrespective of tribe, ethnic group or religion.

Another strategy is for the government to develop multi-channel platforms such as web app, mobile app, toll-free lines, SMS and USSD for Citizen Reporting where citizens can anonymously report suspicious activity or emergencies across the country. This will help create a network of eyes and ears for the law enforcement agencies. Making it anonymous is necessary to give reporters the freedom to report without fear.

Also we can develop a publicly accessible online platform of report of judicial proceedings where citizens can monitor prosecution of suspected and arraigned criminals and crime activities as a way of boosting national confidence about the seriousness of the government in tackling crime and corruption. This platform can serve a dual purpose of deterrence to criminals who get to know records of their prosecution and conviction where applicable will be made public available and accessible to Nigerians and a means of citizens crime history verification. Cyber safety awareness should be inculcated in Civic Education curriculum in BASIC and secondary schools and in General Studies in tertiary education with practical session demonstration.

 How can the citizens use IT and technological devices to tackle kidnapping?

Like I said earlier, we need cooperation between the government and the citizens to effectively combat crimes generally and more specifically, kidnapping. We need active citizen participation: And some of the responsibilities of citizens towards achieving this are:

Citizens need to demonstrate Digital Vigilance by being mindful of online activities and reporting suspicious contents, particularly those promoting criminal activities.

Follow recommended internet safety regularly. Once our educational curriculums have cyber safety awareness incorporated, I believe the efficiency of the advocacies will manifest. Platform providers also need to implement recommended safety and security measures that adopt the zero-trust model.

Citizens can also collaborate at local levels such as community CDAs in developing IT-driven initiatives like neighbourhood watch programs or mobile safety apps tailored for their localities. This needs to be implemented using approaches that work best for each community.

Although technology is a powerful tool, it can only achieve the desired result when all stakeholders contribute their quota and cooperate with the system to make it work. This applies to everyone from Government to citizens.