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By Osasome, C.O
FG to Deploy 5,000 AI-Enabled Cameras Across Plateau
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured the people of Plateau State of decisive federal intervention to curb insecurity. He announced plans to deploy an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled network of over 5,000 digital surveillance cameras across the state.
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The President made the pledge on Thursday during a condolence visit to Jos. His visit followed the March 29 gun attacks in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, which claimed several innocent lives.
“I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself,” Tinubu said while addressing affected families and stakeholders.
Security Chiefs Ordered to Track and Arrest Perpetrators
In a firm directive, President Tinubu charged the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, and the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to “unearth and find the killers” behind the attacks.
He reiterated that justice would be served and pledged federal support for families affected by the violence.
Digital Economy Minister to Lead AI Surveillance Rollout
President Tinubu disclosed that the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, will oversee the immediate deployment of the AI-powered camera system in collaboration with Plateau State authorities and security agencies.
The rollout will commence in Jos before expanding to other parts of the state. Building on similar surveillance infrastructure already deployed in Lagos and Enugu States, criminals will have no field day, he assured.
Government Vows Support for Victims and Bereaved Families
Describing the violence as deeply painful, President Tinubu said no material compensation could replace lost lives. He directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Doro, to compile comprehensive data on victims to ensure equitable government assistance.
“I do not want to be here consoling and commiserating. I want to be here to establish peace,” the President said, stressing the need for proactive and preventive security measures.
Plateau Governor Welcomes Federal Intervention
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the incident as a temporary setback. He noted that the state had enjoyed relative peace prior to the attack.
Mutfwang commended security agencies for their efforts. He thanked President Tinubu for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to complement local security architecture.
“We will win this war against insecurity,” the governor said.
Stakeholders Call for Inclusive, Lasting Solutions
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, and former governors including Jonah David Jang and Simon Lalong, called for a special stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja to address the root causes of the Plateau crisis.
They emphasised that while security agencies play a vital role, sustainable peace must ultimately come from within the Plateau community.
Why AI Surveillance Matters for Security
AI-enabled surveillance systems represent a shift from passive monitoring to real-time crime prevention. Using computer vision and machine learning, these cameras can detect suspicious behaviour.They can identify weapons, analyse crowd movement, and accelerate investigations through advanced forensic search.
Globally, AI-powered cameras have improved crime response times. They have enhanced road safety, and acted as a deterrent to criminal activity. All these are benefits Nigeria hopes to replicate through the Plateau deployment.
Balancing Security with Privacy
The AI surveillance initiative is expected to strengthen security. But experts caution that its success will depend on strong data protection, transparency, and safeguards against misuse to address privacy and ethical concerns.
