Responding to an inquiry from Vanguard, the officer explained how the system, launched in 2015 under then-Inspector-General of Police Solomon Arase, was originally intended to track kidnappers’ locations and intercept calls for prompt arrests and rescues.
The platform played a key role in several high-profile cases, including the arrest of five kidnappers involved in the abduction of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae.
However, the officer noted that the platform’s purpose was compromised by successive Inspectors General of Police, who shifted its use towards political ends. Instead of being solely utilized for crime prevention, the system was reportedly co-opted by individuals in the National Assembly and other political offices to track personal interests.
The officer also pointed out that the platform’s decline was exacerbated by a lack of maintenance and updates, leading to its eventual breakdown. The system’s subscription fees were not paid, and the necessary recalibrations and upgrades were neglected, rendering the tracker non-functional.
Despite the recent reactivation of the tracking device under the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, kidnappers continue to evade capture in many regions. The officer emphasized that the platform requires continuous updates and strategic oversight to remain effective.
The report also touched on the National Communications Commission’s (NCC) efforts to clean up the country’s SIM ownership database through the NIN-SIM linkage deadline, which aimed to curb the misuse of SIM cards for illicit activities. However, the NCC clarified that their role does not extend to tracking or arresting individuals based on call records.
Additionally, a satellite engineer at the Nigerian Communications Satellite Company (NIGCOMSAT Ltd) addressed misconceptions about the capabilities of the satellite system, explaining that while the satellite gathers data and digital footprints, it is not equipped with cameras to monitor crime scenes directly. The engineer assured that the satellite supports security agencies by providing valuable data when required.
