Tinubu Directs Security Overhaul in Plateau, Orders Deployment of 5,000 AI Cameras

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the installation of more than 5,000 artificial intelligence-powered surveillance cameras across Plateau State, following recent killings in the state capital, Jos.

The directive came during the President’s visit to the state on Tuesday, where he met victims’ families, community leaders and government officials in the aftermath of the March 29 attack in Angwan Rukuba, located in Jos North Local Government Area.

Addressing residents, Tinubu said the new surveillance system would strengthen intelligence gathering and improve response time by security agencies. He added that deployment would begin immediately in Jos before expanding to other parts of the state. The system, already operational in Lagos and Enugu, is expected to play a preventive role in tackling violent attacks.

The President assured residents that those responsible for the killings would be apprehended and prosecuted. He issued a directive to security chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police, to identify and arrest the perpetrators without delay.

“No one who takes innocent lives will be allowed to evade justice,” Tinubu said.

The visit followed an attack that left at least 29 people dead, according to Governor Caleb Mutfwang. The incident has heightened tensions in the state, which has experienced recurring violence in recent years.

Tinubu also announced that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, would coordinate the camera deployment in collaboration with security agencies and the state government.

In addition to security measures, the President directed the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to compile a comprehensive database of victims and affected communities to ensure targeted support.

He acknowledged the scale of loss suffered by families, noting that financial assistance could not replace lives lost, but pledged continued government support.

Governor Mutfwang described the attack as a setback after a period of relative calm in the state. He expressed confidence that security efforts, supported by the Federal Government, would restore stability.

“We are determined to overcome this challenge,” the governor said, while calling for additional security deployments to prevent further incidents.

Political and community leaders in Plateau also urged broader consultations and long-term strategies to address the root causes of the violence. Former governor Jonah Jang called for a high-level stakeholders’ meeting, while former governor Simon Lalong stressed the need for unity among residents.

The President, in his remarks, urged leaders across the state to work together to prevent future crises, emphasising that lasting peace would require both security action and community cooperation.