Help at your fingertips: Police unveil smart emergency app in Ogun

By Adejoke Adeleye

The Inspector-General of Police, Adeolu Egbetokun, on Thursday launched Gateway Shield, a new digital safety and intelligence application designed to provide Ogun State residents with swift and direct access to police services, particularly in emergency situations.

The app, described by the IGP as “a lifeline, not just an app,” aims to eliminate barriers between citizens and the police by leveraging smart technology and data. It forms part of the IGP’s broader agenda to modernise Nigeria’s policing system and strengthen citizen engagement.

“Gateway Shield is a practical expression of our resolve to make security accessible, responsive, and people-centred,” Egbetokun said at the launch. “We are using technology to bring the police closer to the people and ensure help is always within reach,” he added.

Available on the Google Play Store (search: Gatewayshield), through a web portal (www.thegatewayshield.com), and via a toll-free emergency number (08000009111), the app connects users to the Ogun State Police Digital Command Centre, where bilingual agents provide round-the-clock support.

The platform allows users to report crimes and emergencies in real time,  request immediate police intervention, track crime and safety trends and receive verified alerts and safety tips.

The digital command centre is powered by a solar-enabled 24/7 infrastructure and staffed by trained IT and security professionals who coordinate rapid responses from the nearest police units.