…App can give real time information 24/7 and within 5km radius

By Bashir Bello, Kano

IN a bid to prevent security challenges such as banditry and kidnapping which have become rampant in the North, Chairman of Ungogo Local Government Council of Kano State, Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat, has developed software called “LURA” to help in tracking untoward activities in the area.

The word “LURA” is an Hausa word, which means “Be Vigilant”. Although Kano is relatively peaceful compared to other states in the North, the chairman explains that he took the action as a pro-active measure to assist in checkmating activities of malevolent elements lurking around the city.

He said the application ensures quick report in real time by residents of any suspicious criminal action for prompt intervention by the security agencies. Engr. Ramat, who spoke with Arewa Voice, said the software is named “LURA” and can be downloaded by residents from their android phones or Play Store. He also said that the software enables residents to quickly report any suspicious person who attempt to commit crime without making a phone call and without revealing their identities but by simply downloading the app and clicking on it to report on the spot crimes.

Ramat explains how the app works: “Once you download the App and you log on to it, it will open a camera and ask you to snap what you have seen. The next thing it will ask is what you want to report and where you are reporting from. Once you key in your location, the software will automatically generate your location to the dashboard in the control room for necessary action by those concerned.

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“The last question it will ask you is if you have any additional information. All these information would be seen on the dashboard only by the designated persons. If it’s actionable information, the relevant persons would immediately report to the appropriate security agencies. We are working in collaboration with all relevant security agencies such as police, DSS, Vigilante, Hisbah. So when we have a case reported we channel it to the relevant agency for further actions.

“The difference between the software and physical operation is that it conceals the identity of informants so as not to jeopardise them as it is the case in physical reporting under the community policing system the country is trying to implement. This could enhance security because the app provides the necessary privacy that is lacking in the open reporting system in our current situation and makes it less effective because residents are afraid to report criminal activities so as not to be attacked by the criminal elements.

“Take for instance sometimes ago, when some kidnappers were arrested in Ungogo LGA and the Governor of Kano State gave an order that the house be demolished. When I visited the area and interacted with the residents to find out why they did not notify the relevant agencies of what was happening in their neighbourhood, they confessed that although they were aware of the atrocities that were being committed in that compound, they could not divulged the information for fear of being killed by the actors.

“Everybody wants to report happenings around them but is afraid of the fear of the unknown. So this software is here to give the people 100 percent assurance that if you report anything, your identity is confidential. The app is in use now in the local government and making tremendous impact. People are reporting happenings around them. Just last week, some thugs were apprehended. They are fond of keeping their weapons in a market in Bachirawa and using same to attack and rob people of their property once it is dark. As far as this app is concerned, their safety is guaranteed as their identities will not be revealed and no calls or tracing of their numbers.”

Ramat hinted that within a lifespan of eight months in office as the chairman, he has developed five softwares for his council. He said the council has also built “smart police stations” with outdoor surveillance cameras that are monitored from inside the stations, adding that the cameras can monitor all movements in and around the area 24/7 from each of the four police divisions in the council to ensure surveillance in the council in order to checkmate that criminal activities or violence in the area.

The chairman, however, urged the Federal Government to develop similar software or acquire a copyright for LURA to fight banditry and terrorism in the country. “We believe that if this app is accepted and embraced by the federal and state governments, it will help curtail insecurity across the country. The government should embrace it in order for all Nigerians to have the app on their phones. I believe with this app, we would be able to tackle insecurity in the country,” Engr. Ramat noted.

Vanguard News Nigeria