President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate deployment of over 5,000 networked surveillance cameras across Plateau State as part of efforts to curb insecurity and identify perpetrators of violence.
The President gave the directive on Thursday during a town hall meeting with political and traditional leaders at Yakubu Gowon Airport, Heipang, near Jos, following the recent Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba that left 28 people dead.
Tinubu said the camera network would enable law enforcement agencies to instantly identify “troublemakers” and respond swiftly to threats. He invited the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, to provide further details on the initiative.
The President acknowledged the pain of victims, noting that no compensation could replace lost lives, but assured affected families of government support. He also met with a grieving mother, identified as Mrs Rhoda, whose son Ayuba was killed in the attack, offering condolences and words of comfort.
Tinubu directed security chiefs, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff, to track down and apprehend those responsible for the killings. He further announced the formation of a committee, in collaboration with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, to assess damages and provide compensation to victims.
Expressing concern over recurring violence in the state, the President lamented the breakdown of peace in Jos, recalling earlier years of unity and coexistence. He urged residents to embrace peace and work collectively to end divisions.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has deployed over 850 additional troops to Plateau State to reinforce ongoing operations aimed at restoring order. The troops, drawn from formations in Abuja and Kaduna, are expected to support efforts under Operation Enduring Peace.
Speaking at the meeting, Tijani revealed plans to deploy artificial intelligence-enabled cameras across the state, starting with Jos, to enhance real-time monitoring and improve response to security threats. He noted that similar systems have been implemented in Lagos and Enugu States with positive results.
Governor Mutfwang described the recent attack as a setback but expressed optimism that, with federal support, the state would overcome its security challenges.
Also speaking, former Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang called for sustained federal intervention, improved intelligence gathering, and consideration of state policing as part of long-term solutions to the crisis.
The President’s visit came amid criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who questioned the handling of the condolence trip and called for greater empathy and urgency in responding to national tragedies.
