President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced plans by the Federal Government to deploy an artificial intelligence-enabled network of more than 5,000 digital cameras across Plateau State as part of renewed efforts to curb insecurity and strengthen law enforcement operations.
The President made the disclosure on Thursday during a condolence visit to Jos following the March 29 attacks in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area, which claimed several lives.
Addressing residents and stakeholders, Tinubu assured the people of Plateau that the Federal Government would take decisive action to prevent a recurrence of the violence.
“I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself,” the President said.
He directed the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killings.
As part of the new security measures, Tinubu said the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, would oversee the immediate installation of the surveillance infrastructure in collaboration with the Plateau State Government and relevant security agencies.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the project will commence in Jos before expanding to other parts of Plateau State. The initiative, he noted, is modeled after similar systems already deployed in Lagos and Enugu states.
The President, visibly moved by the recent violence, expressed deep sympathy for families who lost loved ones in the attacks, lamenting the emotional and human toll of the crisis.
“It is only God that can give you joy and comfort,” Tinubu told bereaved families at a meeting held at the arrival lounge of Yakubu Gowon Airport.
“No amount of money can recompense for lost souls.”
He pledged that the Federal Government would ensure justice is served while also providing support to affected families.
To facilitate relief efforts, Tinubu directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Doro, to compile comprehensive data on victims and affected households to guarantee equitable distribution of government assistance.
Call for Lasting Peace
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting, the President stressed the need for proactive and collective efforts to address the root causes of the recurring violence in Plateau.
He said both federal and state authorities were elected to guarantee peace, security and prosperity, not to preside over loss and grief.
“Governor, you and I were elected on a promise of peace and security, not to comfort and create widows and widowers,” he said.
“We were elected to bring prosperity and inclusiveness as a government, to share hope and aspiration with everyone, and to lead our youth.”
He also assured young people in the state of his commitment to restoring normalcy and preventing further bloodshed.
Mutfwang: Plateau Will Overcome Insecurity
Governor Caleb Mutfwang said Plateau had enjoyed a period of relative peace before the March 29 attack, which he described as a temporary setback.
He commended security agencies for their interventions and expressed optimism that the state would prevail in the fight against insecurity.
“We will win this war against insecurity,” the governor declared.
Mutfwang also thanked the President for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to support the state’s security architecture.
APC, Former Leaders Back Abuja Peace Meeting
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, praised Tinubu for personally visiting Plateau and standing in solidarity with victims and residents.
He said the President’s visit would boost the morale of security agencies and help stem the tide of attacks.
Former Governor Jonah David Jang renewed calls for a special stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja involving political leaders, traditional rulers and other critical actors to seek a lasting resolution to the Plateau crisis.
Jang warned that the violence, which had previously been concentrated in rural communities, was now spreading into urban centres — a development he described as dangerous and unacceptable.
Former Governor Simon Lalong also supported the proposal for a closed-door peace meeting, arguing that the solution to Plateau’s long-running security challenges ultimately lies with the people of the state.
“It is not security agencies that will bring peace — Plateau people will bring peace,” Lalong said.
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, said greater coordination between the Air Force and ground troops would be crucial as the farming season approaches, especially in vulnerable communities.
He noted that attacks in Wase and Kanke had recently claimed more than 14 lives, including a Nigerian Army captain.
Renewed Federal Resolve
Tinubu’s visit comes amid growing concern over renewed violence in Plateau, a state that has long grappled with cycles of communal and criminal attacks.
With the planned deployment of advanced surveillance technology, enhanced security coordination, and renewed calls for political dialogue, the Federal Government signaled a more aggressive and technology-driven approach to restoring peace in the state.
