President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced plans by the Federal Government to deploy over 5,000 artificial intelligence-enabled digital cameras across Plateau State as part of renewed efforts to combat insecurity.
The President made the disclosure on Thursday during a condolence visit to Jos, following the March 29 attacks in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, which claimed several lives.
According to him, the surveillance system will support law enforcement agencies in tracking criminal activities and preventing future attacks. He added that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, will oversee the immediate installation of the cameras in collaboration with state authorities and security agencies.
Tinubu also directed key security chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to apprehend those responsible for the killings.
“I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself,” the President assured.
“No amount of money can recompense for lost souls. It is only God that can give you joy and comfort.”
President Tinubu said the deployment will begin in Jos and expand across Plateau State, building on similar systems already operational in Lagos and Enugu.
He further directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Doro, to compile comprehensive data on affected persons to ensure equitable distribution of relief.
Addressing stakeholders, the President emphasized the need for unity and proactive measures to end the cycle of violence.
“We were elected on a promise of peace and security, not to comfort and create widows and widowers. I do not want to be here consoling—I want to establish peace.”
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, described the incident as a temporary setback, noting that the state had enjoyed relative peace prior to the attacks. He commended security agencies and expressed optimism about ongoing interventions.
“We will win this war against insecurity,” Mutfwang said.
He also thanked the President for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen local security architecture.
Other stakeholders, including former governors Jonah David Jang and Simon Lalong, called for a closed-door meeting in Abuja involving key leaders and traditional rulers to find lasting solutions to the crisis.
They stressed that sustainable peace would require collaboration among Plateau people, beyond reliance on security agencies alone.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, also lauded the President’s visit, expressing hope that it would strengthen security operations and bring relief to affected communities.