NSCDC Introduces mobile app, N-alert, to tackle gender based violence

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has introduced a Nigerian Internal Security and Public Safety Alert System (N-Alerts), for the report of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) before, during and after the general election.

Launched by the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Pauline Tallen and the Commandant General, NSCDC, associate professor Ahmed Audi, the mobile app is expected to be deployed for the elections and in schools for the protection of women and girls.

At an event marking the 3rd Annual Forum of Women in Peace and Security Sector Reference Group themed, “The Role of Female Security Personnel in 2023 General Elections”, yesterday in Abuja, Audi said that the new technology will also be used in reporting criminal acts that would likely arise during the elections.

He noted that the level of proactive preparedness by security agencies in the country gives the confidence of adequate security as citizens freely vote for their preferred candidates.

He said that there has also been a high level of collaboration between sister agencies which gives hope for a free, fair and transparent election.

“We, the security agencies are on the same page, well prepared and ready to frustrate the efforts of those planning to truncate the electoral process.

“The police are the lead agency in election security and we are going to be working together alongside other sister agencies, and I assure you, it will translate to positive outcomes,” he said.

According to him, the agency has embarked on programmes and policies that will boost the capacity of Female Security Personnel to compete favourably with their male counterparts.

He further assured Tallen of his continuous effort to create platforms for the female gender to showcase its talents.

On her part, the Minister of Women Affairs called on all security agencies to protect and defend the votes of Nigerians in the spirit of one man, one vote, in order to give room for credible elections across the board.

She said that unveiling the School SGBV mobile app will further protect female students from sexual abuse, cultists and other forms of attacks in their academic settings.

“The gender mainstreaming has achieved some milestones in various Government Ministries, Department and Agencies and has also contributed to present day Reforms witnessed in the Security Sector.

“It has strengthened Women’s voices and structures with frequent gender concerns in public policy text and discussions,” she said.

She further said that there is a need for female security personnel to be fully mobilised and deployed to utilize their potential in overseeing the forthcoming general elections towards actualising safe, free and fair elections.