Insecurity: Kogi deploys AI-backed CCTV, vigilantes to secure schools

The Kogi State Government has unveiled a technology-driven security system for public schools, saying the deployment of surveillance technology alongside security agencies, vigilantes and local hunters has strengthened the safety of students and educational institutions across the state.

State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this on Monday during an inspection of federal and state government projects by members of the Presidential Media Team and the Renewed Hope Ambassadors.

Fanwo said the government had adopted a multi-layered security approach that combines conventional policing with modern surveillance technology to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities.

According to him, trained and remunerated vigilantes, local hunters and conventional security agencies are working together to secure schools and other public facilities across the state.

“We have a very robust security architecture. The vigilantes are trained, well armed, paid and pensionable. We also have local hunters, the police and other security agencies working together,” he said.

The commissioner added that the government had invested in technology to monitor strategic locations across the state, although he declined to disclose operational details.

“As we entered this place, officials in our control room in Lokoja were already monitoring our movement. Technology has become an important part of our security architecture and it is helping us significantly,” he said.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, O’Tega Ogra, described the facility as Africa’s first Barefoot Renewable Energy College and the second globally after India.