A retired senior police officer has revealed how a once-effective real-time tracking technological platform, initially designed to combat crime, was diverted for political purposes.
The platform, which was instrumental in the success of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in cracking numerous high-profile cases, was allegedly used by politicians to monitor their perceived enemies and mistresses.
The retired officer disclosed this while responding to a question from Vanguard about the downfall of the once-reliable system.
The platform had been vital in tracking the locations of kidnappers, intercepting calls, and ensuring the prompt arrest and rescue of abducted victims.
The Rise of Tech-Driven Policing
The Police first embraced intelligence-led policing in 2015 with the installation of the tracking device under the leadership of then-Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase.
The device was a game-changer, enabling the police to stay one step ahead of criminals, particularly kidnappers.
It allowed the IRT, a specialized unit still in operation today, to monitor kidnappers’ movements in real-time, analyze call locations and patterns, and even identify potential safe houses used by criminals.
One of the most notable successes attributed to this technology was the arrest of five kidnappers involved in the abduction of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, on September 21, 2015.
The kidnappers, identified as herdsmen, had taken Falae captive during his 77th birthday and demanded a ransom of N5 million.
The tracking technology was instrumental in tracing five of the kidnappers to Suleja, Niger State, where they were apprehended while attempting to collect the ransom.
From Crime-Fighting to Political Tool
However, what began as a powerful tool for fighting crime was soon misappropriated for personal and political gain.
According to the retired officer, politicians began using the technology to track the movements and communications of their rivals and mistresses, rather than allowing it to serve its intended purpose of ensuring public safety.
“The system was put in place to help us stay ahead of criminals, especially kidnappers, but unfortunately, it ended up being used by politicians to monitor their enemies and mistresses,” the retired officer lamented.
The misuse of this technology raises serious concerns about the ethical boundaries in the deployment of such tools and the integrity of those who have access to them.
The officer’s revelations suggest that the subversion of the system for personal vendettas not only undermined its effectiveness but also compromised the safety and security of ordinary Nigerians who depended on the police for protection.
A System Undermined
The officer’s account paints a picture of a system that, despite its early promise, was ultimately undermined by the very individuals who were supposed to be its beneficiaries.
The real-time tracking platform, which could have continued to be a powerful weapon against crime, was instead corrupted by the influence of politics, leaving many to wonder what could have been achieved if the technology had been used as originally intended.
As the debate over the use and abuse of surveillance technology continues, the case of the Nigerian police tracking platform serves as a cautionary tale of how powerful tools can be misused when placed in the wrong hands.
The officer’s revelations are a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding such systems from political interference to ensure they serve the public good.
