President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that the Federal Government will deploy an artificial intelligence-enabled network of over 5,000 digital cameras to strengthen security operations in Plateau State.
The President made this known on Thursday during a visit to Jos, following the 29 March attacks in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area, which claimed several lives.
Expressing sympathy with victims and their families, President Tinubu assured residents that such incidents would not recur. He directed security chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killings.
According to the President, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, will oversee the immediate installation of the surveillance system in collaboration with state authorities and security agencies. The initiative will begin in Jos and later expand across the state, building on similar deployments in Lagos and Enugu.
President Tinubu emphasised that while financial compensation cannot replace lost lives, the government remains committed to ensuring justice and supporting affected families. He also directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Doro, to compile accurate data on victims to ensure fair distribution of relief.
In his remarks, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the recent violence as a setback after a period of relative peace, expressing confidence in ongoing security efforts. He also commended the Federal Government for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to support local security.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, lauded the President’s visit, noting it would boost morale and strengthen efforts to restore peace.
Former Governor Jonah David Jang called for a high-level meeting in Abuja involving key stakeholders to address the root causes of the crisis, while former Governor Simon Lalong stressed that lasting peace must come from within the people of Plateau.
Also speaking, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, urged stronger coordination between security forces, especially ahead of the farming season, noting recent casualties in parts of the state.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to restoring lasting peace and preventing further attacks across Plateau State.
