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From Fred Itua, Abuja
A retired Nigerian Army general and a software engineer have unveiled a real-time emergency response application designed to transmit distress alerts and victims’ locations directly to security agencies within seconds during kidnapping, terrorism and other emergencies.
The application, iLert247, developed in the United Kingdom by software engineer Joseph Ekeh, is intended to bridge gaps in community intelligence and emergency response, particularly in areas vulnerable to attacks by armed groups.
Ekeh said the system comprises three linked components: the iLert247 mobile application for users, the iSmart display dashboard for command centres and the iLert SOS network, which routes real-time information to security agencies.
According to him, a user in distress can trigger an alarm by double-tapping a red button on the phone, automatically transmitting the person’s GPS coordinates and live satellite imagery to control centres and law enforcement units without making a voice call.
He said the feature was particularly useful in kidnapping, robbery and other situations where victims might be unable to speak without exposing themselves to danger.
Users can also identify the nature of the threat, including robbery, terrorism or kidnapping, and upload voice recordings, photographs or videos where circumstances permit.
Ekeh claimed that while conventional international emergency channels could take between 13 and 15 seconds to establish initial voice contact, iLert247 could process a distress signal and broadcast the user’s location to nearby security personnel within two seconds.
He said recent international test runs using near-real-time satellite tracking had demonstrated the platform’s ability to identify users’ locations across borders.
Former Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Nicholas Rogers (retd), who is collaborating on the strategic deployment of the platform, said technology could strengthen conventional security operations and improve protection for vulnerable communities.
Rogers said satellite geolocation tools could be particularly useful in rural communities frequently targeted by armed groups, while also providing security forces with early situational awareness that could help reduce the risk of ambushes.
He said the project team had begun engagements aimed at integrating the platform into the country’s security architecture.
According to him, discussions are under way with the Ministry of Defence, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and some state governments, including Plateau State.
The developers called on federal and state governments to provide dedicated funding for technology integration and equip frontline security personnel to improve emergency response across the 36 states.
The public rollout of iLert247 is scheduled for October 8, when the application is expected to become available on major app stores.
