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Google introduces advanced theft protection features for android devices
In a bid to combat phone theft and protect users’ sensitive data, Google on Tuesday in Lagos announced new advanced theft protection features for Android devices in Africa and around the world.
The announcement is contained in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by Mrs Oluwaseun Odufuwa, Account Manager, Irvine Partners.
The features, which are now available on most Android 10+ devices, use AI-powered theft detection, offline device lock, and enhanced security features to safeguard users’ devices and data.
“Phone theft is a serious concern in many countries across Africa, including South Africa, a situation where a phone is stolen will highlights the need for better phone theft solutions.
“Advanced theft protection features are now available to users around the world through Android 15 and a Google Play Services update on Android ten plus devices.
“Smartphone usage is on the rise in Sub-Saharan Africa, with adoption rates reaching 61 per cent in Kenya, 31 per cent in Uganda, and 24-25 per cent in Rwanda and Burundi.
“This increased uptake has been accompanied by a rise in cell-phone theft, as these devices become attractive targets for criminals due to their resale value and sensitive data within.
“This poses a significant challenge that can have serious consequences for both individuals and businesses in the region,” Odufuwa quoted Google to have stated.
According to Google, phone theft has raised a need for serious concern in Africa, in most cases of theft; the new feature will highlights solutions which it aims to achieve.
“The AI-powered theft detection feature uses on-device machine learning to detect potential theft attempts and lock the screen to prevent unauthorised access.
“The offline device lock feature protects data even when the device is offline, while the enhanced security features make it harder for thieves to access sensitive settings and data.
“According to the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) Consumer Survey 2023, 19% of mobile phone users in South Africa experienced theft or loss of their device in the past year.
“The GSMA reports millions of devices stolen every year, and the numbers continue to grow.
“With our phones becoming increasingly more valuable and central to storing sensitive data, like payment information and personal details, losing one can be an unsettling experience,” it said.
Google has also announced that it will be launching an opt-in feature called Identity Check later this year, which will require biometric authentication when accessing critical Google account and device settings.
The new features are part of Google’s efforts to provide real-world protection for Android users and make Android devices less appealing targets for thieves.
“Phone theft can be a traumatic experience, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk and protect personal information.
“That is why we have developed and thoroughly beta tested, a full suite of features designed to protect you and your data at every stage – before, during and after device theft.
“Theft detection lock uses powerful AI to proactively protect you at the moment of a theft attempt, by using on-device machine learning, theft detection lock is able to analyse various device signals to detect potential theft attempts.
“If the algorithm detects a potential theft attempt on your unlocked device, it locks your screen to keep thieves out, to protect your sensitive data if your phone is stolen; Theft Detection Lock uses device sensors to identify theft attempts.
“To enable the new theft protection features on your Android device, follow these steps, go to your device’s settings, scroll down and select “Security”, Select theft protection and enable the features.
The features are available on most Android 10+ devices via a Google Play Services update,” it says.
This feature is rolling out gradually to ensure compatibility with various devices, starting with Android devices that cover 90% of active users worldwide.
The statement urged Android users to always check the theft protection settings page periodically to see if the device is currently supported.
In addition to theft detection lock, Google says that the offline device lock also protects the phone.
“If thieves try to take your device offline to extract data or avoid a remote wipe via Android’s find my device the new feature will protect it.
“If an unlocked device goes offline for prolonged periods, this feature locks the screen to ensure your phone can’t be used in the hands of a thief.
“If your Android device is lost or stolen, remote lock can quickly help you secure it.
“Even if you can’t remember your Google account credentials in the moment of theft, you can use any device to visit Android.com/lock and lock your phone with just a verified phone number.
“Remote Lock secures your device while you regain access through Android’s Find My Device – which lets you secure, locate or remotely wipe your device.
“As a security best practice, we always recommend backing up your device on a continuous basis, so remotely wiping your device is not an issue,” it stated.
The statement noted that the features are now available on most Android ten plus devices via Google Play Services update and must be enabled in settings.
“Android 15 introduces new security features to deter theft before it happens by making it harder for thieves to access sensitive settings, apps, or reset your device for resale.
“Changes to sensitive settings like Find My Device now require your PIN, password, or biometric authentication.
“Multiple failed login attempts, which could be a sign that a thief is trying to guess your password, will lock down your device, preventing unauthorized access.
“Enhanced factory reset protection makes it even harder for thieves to reset your device without your Google account credentials, significantly reducing its resale value and protecting your data,” it says.
The statement disclosed that it will launch Identity Check later in the year
“An opt-in feature that will add an extra layer of protection by requiring biometric authentication when accessing critical Google account and device settings, like changing your PIN, disabling theft protection, or accessing passkeys from an untrusted location.
“This helps prevent unauthorised access even if your device PIN is compromised.
“These theft protection features are just one example of how Android is working to provide real-world protection for everyone.
“We are dedicated to working with our partners around the world to continuously improve Android security and help you and your data stay safe.
“You can turn on the new Android theft features by clicking here on a supported Android device, learn more about our theft protection features by visiting our help centre,” the state said.(NAN)
A National Youth Service Corp member, Rofiat Lawal, who was kidnapped along the Benin-Ore Expressway on Tuesday has regained freedom after her family paid a ransom of N1.1m.
ELANZANEWS reports that Lawal was kidnapped while en route to Ibadan, Oyo State from Benin, Edo State to resume at her place of primary assignment.
The abductors were said to have demanded an N20m ransom which her family appealed that they could not afford.
Following back-and-forth negotiations, the kidnappers reportedly reduced the N20m ransom to N5m.
Giving an update on the incident, Lawal’s friend identified as Agbakwara, who was privy to the incident, disclosed on Saturday that Aminat has regained her freedom.
Sharing a video of the victim in a Facebook post, Agbakwara wrote, “In the early hours of Friday, the kidnappers pressured us, warning that if we failed to meet their demands, we should not expect her return.
“In desperation, I reached out to everyone I could, her colleagues in school, the Muslim association, her friends from her hometown, my fans, and her family.
“Through the collective efforts and generosity of so many, we were able to raise N1.1 million, which was sent at 4:20 pm on Friday to an account provided by the kidnappers.
“The recipient, Isaac Ayo, claimed that his sister had also been kidnapped and assured us he would deliver the ransom alongside his own.”
He stated that Lawal was finally reunited with her family on Saturday morning.
“For hours, we anxiously waited. Finally, at around 10 pm, we received the long-awaited call: they had been released and taken to the hospital.
“This morning, we got another call confirming that Rofiat was on her way home, and the others had also safely returned to their families.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed, shared the news, and tagged the necessary authorities. Your support made this possible,” he concluded.
Mrs Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President, has launched two lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of defamation and infringement of her fundamental rights.
In her legal filings, Mrs Akpabio is seeking an astounding ₦250 billion in damages, alongside an additional ₦1 billion to cover legal costs.
The suits, presented to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, arise from sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against her husband, Godswill Akpabio, during an interview on Arise News last Friday.
In the fundamental rights suit (Suit No: CV/814/25), Mrs Akpabio contends that the statements made by Akpoti-Uduaghan on 20th February 2025, as well as during the televised interview, represent a “flagrant violation” of her fundamental rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Referencing Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Mrs Akpabio is pursuing several legal remedies, including: “A declaration that the Senator’s remarks breached her fundamental rights and subjected her and her children to emotional and psychological distress.
“A perpetual injunction restraining Akpoti-Uduaghan from making any further inciteful, scandalous, and defamatory remarks against her.
“₦250 billion in damages for what she categorises as exemplary, punitive, aggravated, and general damages incurred as a result of the senator’s statements.”
In a separate defamation lawsuit (Suit No: CV/816/25), the wife of the Senate President challenges the allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, asserting that they have inflicted irreparable harm on her reputation and that of her family.
She argues that the claims, aired on national television, have “tarnished her family’s reputation and brought them into disrepute and opprobrium.”
“The Defendant’s assertion on national television that the Claimant’s husband, who serves as the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, made sexual advances towards her without any substantiation has severely damaged the reputation of the Claimant and her entire family,” the suit states.
Mrs Akpabio is also seeking a court declaration affirming that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements were indeed defamatory.
Her requests include: “A declaration that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s assertions on national television—that the Claimant’s husband, the Senate President, made sexual advances towards her without evidence—have harmed her reputation and that of her family, resulting in disrepute and opprobrium.
“An order compelling Akpoti-Uduaghan to issue a formal written retraction of her statements and to provide an unconditional apology to the Claimant and her family, to be published in two national newspapers.
“An order mandating Akpoti-Uduaghan to pay ₦1 billion in punitive and exemplary damages for the ramifications of her statements on the Akpabio family’s reputation.
“A perpetual injunction preventing Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further defamatory statements against the Akpabio family.”
These lawsuits represent a notable escalation in legal proceedings following a contentious exchange between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Akpabio.
The dispute first gained prominence when Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged in a verbal altercation with the Senate President during a Senate session, which she subsequently escalated by levelling allegations of sexual harassment during a televised interview.
The allegations have ignited a nationwide debate, drawing significant attention and eliciting mixed responses from the public.
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Governor Uba Sani Extends Warm Ramadan Greetings, Calls for Unity and Reflection in Kaduna State
As the holy month of Ramadan 1446 AH begins, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Muslim faithful in Kaduna State, Nigeria, and across the globe.
In his Ramadan message, Governor Sani emphasized the importance of reflection, empathy, and solidarity during this sacred period.
Governor Sani urged Muslims to embrace the noble values of Ramadan, including generosity, brotherhood, and cooperation. He called on citizens to share food, love, time, and respect with the less privileged in society, reinforcing the spirit of compassion that defines the holy month.
“This is the time to renew our relationship with Almighty Allah and seek His mercy for our state and country,” Governor Sani stated. He also encouraged citizens to pray fervently for the sustenance of peace and unity in Kaduna State, highlighting the strength of the state’s diversity.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to consolidating peace, revitalizing the economy, and ensuring sustainable growth and development in Kaduna State. “As a government, we shall continue to do all that is necessary to place Kaduna State irreversibly on the path to progress,” he said.
Governor Sani concluded his message with a prayer for the spirit of Ramadan to illuminate the hearts and souls of all citizens. “May this holy month bring blessings, peace, and prosperity to our state and nation. Ramadan Mubarak,” he added.