Omobolaji Adekunle Abeokuta,
In a major step towards technology-driven policing, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has launched Gateway Shield, a digital safety and intelligence platform designed to provide Ogun State residents with fast and direct access to police services.
The mobile and web-based app enables users to report incidents, request emergency assistance, and receive real-time responses from nearby police units—particularly in situations where physically reaching a police station may not be possible.
Describing the innovation as a game-changer, the IGP said:
“Gateway Shield is a practical expression of our resolve to make security accessible, responsive, and people-centred. This is not just an app—it is a lifeline. We are leveraging smart technology to eliminate barriers between the public and the police, ensuring that help is always within reach.”
The platform is available on the Google Play Store (search: Gatewayshield), via www.thegatewayshield.com, and through a toll-free emergency line: 0800 000 9111. Calls and complaints are received at a 24/7 solar-powered command center in Abeokuta, where bilingual digital agents process cases and coordinate swift police responses.
Beyond emergency alerts, the app allows users to monitor safety trends, report non-violent disputes, traffic incidents, and other public safety concerns—enhancing communication and trust between the police and the community.
The launch marks another milestone in the IGP’s broader strategy to modernise policing in Nigeria through digital solutions, data analytics, and citizen engagement.
In 2024, the IGP commissioned a modern Ogun State Police Command headquarters and, in early 2025, deployed Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) across the state to strengthen operational capacity. With the launch of Gateway Shield, Ogun State is now emerging as a model for citizen-centric, tech-enabled policing.
