This could be easily and elegantly solved by adding 'swipe lock' virtual button to other Android virtual buttons. You cannot expect Android devs to add some special call to their apps just in case it gets used on a Sailfish device so a global solution for any Android app that might require swiping should be preferred.

A more complicated solution could be a special menu button or a special 'Android app manager' app that would allow you to set default behavior for each Android app installed - this could include not just 'swipe lock' but also full screen settings (i.e. no Android virtual buttons at all), privacy/security settings, etc.