President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced plans to deploy an artificial intelligence-enabled network of over 5,000 digital cameras across Plateau State to support security agencies in combating rising insecurity.
The President pledged on Thursday, April 2, 2026, during a visit to Jos, following the March 29, 2026, gun attacks in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area, which claimed several lives.
Tinubu, who commiserated with victims’ families and the state government, assured residents that such incidents would not recur. “I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself,” he 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 track down those responsible for the killings.
The President also tasked the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, with overseeing the immediate rollout of the surveillance infrastructure in collaboration with the Plateau State Government and security agencies. The initiative will begin in Jos before expanding statewide, building on similar systems already deployed in other parts of the country.
Expressing grief over the incident, Tinubu said he was deeply disturbed by videos showing the violence. Addressing bereaved families at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, he noted that no amount of money could compensate for lost lives but pledged that justice would be served.
He further directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Doro, to compile comprehensive data on affected persons to ensure equitable distribution of government assistance.
Calling for proactive measures, the President urged leaders to learn from past crises and prioritise peace and security. He stressed that his administration was committed to fostering prosperity, inclusiveness, and stability, particularly for young people.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, described the March 29 attack as a temporary setback, noting that the state had previously enjoyed relative peace. He commended security agencies for their efforts and expressed optimism that the situation would improve.
Mutfwang also thanked the President for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to bolster local security operations.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, praised Tinubu’s visit, saying it would strengthen security responses and reassure residents.
Former Governor Jonah David Jang called for a special stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja to address the root causes of recurring violence, warning that the spread of attacks from rural areas to urban centres posed a dangerous trend.
Another former governor, Simon Lalong, echoed the call for dialogue, emphasising that lasting peace must come from within the Plateau community.
Similarly, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, stressed the need for stronger collaboration between air and ground forces, especially as the farming season approaches.
He noted that recent attacks in parts of the state, including Wase and Kanke, had resulted in multiple casualties, including a Nigerian Army captain.
Stakeholders at the meeting agreed that while security agencies play a crucial role, sustainable peace in Plateau ultimately depends on collective action by residents and leaders.
