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INSECURITY: Delta-born US-based security expert develops app to combat kidnapping

Police, Taraba, Provost, college, Benue

Kidnap

In a major technological breakthrough aimed at tackling the growing spate of kidnapping and violent crimes in Nigeria, particularly in Delta State, a United States-based security systems developer and technology entrepreneur, Engineer Ogaga Akpofure, has unveiled a homegrown innovation tailored to Nigeria’s unique security challenges.

Akpofure, who hails from Delta State, developed a dual-layered security platform comprising the Karzame Virtual Safety App and the Vigilant Eye Tracking and Dispatch System. The innovation has already been formally proposed to the Delta State Government as part of a larger intervention to bolster community policing and digital security frameworks.

In a proposal submitted under the banner of Karzame Technologies, a company registered in both Nigeria and the United States, Akpofure cited recurring incidents of kidnapping and insecurity in areas such as Abraka, Uvwie, Warri, Sapele, and Asaba as the motivation behind the development.

He said: “This innovation is my own way of giving back to the land that raised me. Nigeria needs tested and trusted solutions that not only save lives but also help rebuild trust in public institutions.”

He commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his proactive leadership, especially the recent directive to local government chairmen to strengthen community policing mechanisms. Akpofure noted that the governor’s consistent call for modern approaches to security gave him the confidence to introduce the Karzame solution.

Speaking to journalists in Asaba, Mr. Peter Umudjane, the Nigeria Country Director of Karzame Technologies, gave further insight into the project’s objectives, deployment strategy, and long-term impact.

Umudjane said: “What Engineer Akpofure has done is revolutionary. The Karzame platform was designed specifically to address Nigeria’s unique security problems. We are not importing foreign solutions; we are deploying a homegrown system, built by one of our own, with deep understanding of our local environment.”

He explained that the Karzame Virtual Safety App is a mobile-based security application that turns every smartphone into a personal security device. According to him, the app allows residents to send real-time SOS alerts with embedded GPS to designated police and security teams.

“Once the alert is triggered, it gets to the nearest patrol unit with location data and incident type. This drastically cuts down response time,” he said.

He further disclosed that the app features a virtual escort service, enabling users—especially commuters and farmers—to request live monitoring while travelling through high-risk areas. It also includes a virtual home guard function that allows approved security personnel to remotely monitor homes and properties, providing residents with a sense of safety, even while away.

On the drone integration, Umudjane said: “The moment an alert is received, a drone can be dispatched from our control centre to the crime scene. It transmits live video footage back to security operatives, making it easier to assess the situation, pursue suspects, or prevent ongoing crimes. The visible presence of drones alone can deter criminal activity.”

He added that the app includes anonymous crime reporting, geo-fencing of critical infrastructure, real-time video uploads, and an anti-SIM swap protection mechanism in partnership with telecom operators to prevent fraud commonly associated with kidnappers.

Umudjane also spoke extensively on the Vigilant Eye Tracking and Dispatch System, which he described as the “nerve centre” of the solution. According to him, the system is designed to be integrated into the Delta State Police Command Headquarters, divisional police stations, local government security control rooms, and approved civil vigilante networks.

“This is a real-time command dashboard. It gives security agencies the tools to track crime trends, coordinate tactical units, and manage emergency responses efficiently. No more guesswork. Everything is data-driven,” he said.

To ensure sustainability, he said Karzame Technologies has proposed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the state to adopt, stressing that the system can be deployed without placing heavy financial strain on the state government.

“We’re not asking government to carry the full cost. We believe in shared responsibility. What we are offering is a practical, low-cost, and sustainable solution. The technology is scalable, community-friendly, and adaptable to both urban and rural settings,” Umudjane noted.

The initiative has begun gaining traction among stakeholders. Groups such as the Save Urhobo Youth Forum and several grassroots organisations have applauded the innovation and called for its speedy adoption.

Observers believe that if the Delta State Government approves the project, it would mark a significant advancement in the state’s fight against crime and pave the way for other states to follow.

As Delta State moves forward with Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, the deployment of the Karzame security solutions is being described as not just a technological leap, but a strategic move toward building a more secure and responsive society.