The Ogun State Police Command has launched a Digital Police Station platform known as Gateway Shield as part of efforts to modernise policing, improve public access to security services, and strengthen trust between the Police and residents of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, disclosed this while hosting the newly inaugurated executives of the Ogun State chapter of the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria at the State Police Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.
Gateway Shield is designed to allow members of the public to report complaints seamlessly, anonymously, and from any location, using digital channels. The initiative reflects the Command’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve response time, accountability, and citizen engagement in policing.
In his address, CP Ogunlowo stressed the critical role of the media in promoting transparency and accountability within security institutions. He noted that responsible journalism remains essential to building public confidence in the Police, adding that the Command welcomes constructive criticism that is rooted in verified facts.
“The Police are not averse to constructive scrutiny. Responsible reportage strengthens the institution and encourages officers to deliver effectively on their constitutional responsibilities,” he said. He, however, urged broadcasters and media practitioners to verify information from appropriate authorities, especially on sensitive security matters, before publication.
The Commissioner assured the Ogun FIBAN leadership of sustained cooperation and an open-door policy, promising continued engagement with media professionals in the collective interest of peace and security across the state.
Providing further details on the digital platform, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, explained that Gateway Shield was conceptualised by the Commissioner to bridge the communication gap between the Police and the public. According to him, residents can download the application via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and follow simple steps to lodge complaints discreetly.
He added that the platform is also accessible through www.thegatewayshield.com, while members of the public can call the toll-free line 0800 000 9111 to report incidents, assuring that all complaints would receive prompt attention from the Command.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ogun FIBAN, Hon. Shoyinka, commended CP Ogunlowo for his professionalism, innovation, and consistent engagement with media stakeholders. He disclosed plans to revive the proposed quarterly Ogun CP Time Out with Broadcasters, last held in June 2025, to further strengthen dialogue among the Police, the media, and the public.
Hon. Shoyinka also praised the Command’s efforts in addressing security challenges across Ogun State and offered prayers for continued wisdom and strength for the Commissioner and his management team.
Senior officers present at the meeting included DCP Sarah I. Ehindero, DC Administration; DCP Bolanle Murtala, DCP Operations; DCP Gbenga Adeoye, DC CID; Assistant Commissioner of Police A. Akinmoladun; and the Police Public Relations Officer.
In a related development, the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with Ogun FIBAN during a courtesy visit by the association’s leadership to the NSCDC Command Headquarters in Abeokuta.
The State Commandant described the visit as timely, noting that the media remains a strategic partner in effective security management. She outlined the statutory responsibilities of the Corps, including the protection of lives and property, safeguarding of critical national assets, supervision of private guard companies, maintenance of public order, and support for initiatives such as the Safe School Programme and the Agro Rangers Corps.
She stressed that effective security requires cooperation, timely communication, and mutual trust among security agencies, the media, and the public, while cautioning against unverified or sensational reporting that could create panic or compromise security operations.
Responding, Hon. Shoyinka reaffirmed Ogun FIBAN’s commitment to responsible journalism and called for timely access to accurate information from security agencies to enhance balanced and factual reportage.
The engagements, observers note, reflect a renewed commitment by security agencies and media stakeholders in Ogun State to deepen institutional partnerships anchored on professionalism, transparency, and shared responsibility in the pursuit of peace and public safety.
