The Nigeria Police Force has concluded plans for a crime control system aimed at protecting commercial vehicle operators and passengers from kidnappers and other criminal gangs on the roads.
When fully deployed, the system which is technology-driven, is expected to also ensure security of motor parks and vehicles and assist in foiling terrorist attacks.
Findings indicate that the system would enable passengers to use their phones to verify the legitimacy of commercial cabs and buses they intend to board to avoid being victims of in-transit crime popularly known as ‘one chance.’
Already, the police had written to various transport unions including the National Union of Road Transport Workers and the National Association of Transport Owners about the project and how they could be part of it.
The police, in a letter dated June 24, 2015, and signed by Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Adeola Adeniji, stated that the project was developed by the police in conjunction with a private firm as part of the national security and anti-terrorism campaign.
The letter reads, “As part of national security and anti-terrorism campaign of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Police Road Crime Control System is developed by the ICT Department of the police and 2toc Solutions Ltd., to enhance security of passengers, union members and parks.
“The project is provided free to the members of the transport union only; no payment is required for development, deployment or registration. The union only needs to submit the name, ID number or number plate, valid phone numbers, colour of vehicle and union name and branch.”
It further noted that due to administrative changes such as new membership, changes in vehicle name and colour, death of member, suspension, and dismissal, the RCCS required every beneficiary to notify the project customer care centre once every month or request the system to auto-validate his membership status.
The NURTW President, Alhaji Najeem Yasin, in his response to the letter, welcomed the idea and lauded the police for “having the interest of our union at heart, seeing that it mapped out, without solicitation, a gallant project to enhance the security of passengers, union members and parks.”
When asked about the implementation date for the project, the Public Affairs Manager, 2toc Solutions Ltd., Emmanuel Olusoji, directed all enquiries to the police. The Force Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Kolawole, asked to be given time to confirm the date, but she had yet to get back to our correspondent as of the time of filing this report.
-Punch
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