Public safety in Nigeria has suffered a setback as two key emergency apps launched by the country’s security forces face critical failures.
The Nigerian Army’s NA iReport app has disappeared from the Google Play Store, while the Nigeria Police Force’s Police-VGS emergency response app remains plagued by technical issues.
Launched in 2018, the NA iReport app was introduced as part of the Nigerian Army’s digital modernization push.
It aimed to strengthen cyber defence and allow citizens to anonymously report security threats and misconduct by military personnel.
Then-Army Chief Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) said it would help improve accountability and speed up response to emergencies.
Despite these promises, the app is no longer available on the Play Store.
It was never accessible to iPhone users and had recorded just over 10,000 downloads by 2022.
Meanwhile, the Police-VGS Quick Emergency Report and Response System app, launched in 2023 by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, is still available but largely dysfunctional.
Users report the app lacks a registration option, preventing new users from signing in or filing reports.
“This app doesn’t work… It just reflects the current police situation in the country. TERRIBLE!” one reviewer wrote—a comment supported by dozens of others.
Another user complained, “I saw ‘Username’, ‘Password’, and ‘Sign in’ but no ‘Register’.
One cannot sign in without first registering.”
Efforts to obtain a response from the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, were unsuccessful.
Responding on behalf of the Nigerian Army, spokesperson Lt. Col. Onyechi Anele said the military has shifted focus to a 24-hour call centre and social media intelligence tools.
“We have a 24-hour call centre (193) and AI-enabled monitoring through our official social media handles.
The Army is ahead of what’s being reported, but we’re open to new ideas,” she said.
The setbacks raise broader concerns about the sustainability of tech-based public safety solutions in Nigeria, especially amid increasing reliance on digital tools for emergency response.