The Federal Government has unveiled plans to deploy artificial intelligence-powered surveillance cameras across Plateau State, beginning with Jos, as part of fresh efforts to tackle recurring violence in the region.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed the initiative on Thursday, shortly after Bola Tinubu visited the state following the recent Palm Sunday attack that left 28 people dead and several others injured.
Tijani said the move was in line with presidential directives to strengthen security infrastructure through technology, noting that the deployment would enhance real-time crime monitoring and improve coordination among security agencies.
In a post on X, the minister reflected on his personal experience during the 2001 Jos crisis, describing the lingering insecurity in the state as both painful and unacceptable.
He recalled witnessing the violence as a student of the University of Jos, stressing that the situation underscored a long-standing challenge that must be decisively addressed.
According to him, the Federal Government would collaborate with the Plateau State Government to deepen digital infrastructure while rolling out a network of AI-enabled cameras across strategic locations.
“We will work closely with the state government to strengthen existing digital systems, and on top of that, deploy a comprehensive network of AI-powered cameras across Plateau, starting from Jos,” he said.
Tijani added that similar security technologies had already been implemented in other parts of the country, including Lagos and Enugu, with positive outcomes.
He described the current wave of violence as deeply troubling, assuring that his ministry would commit all necessary resources to ensure the success of the project.
Earlier, the President had stated that the adoption of advanced surveillance systems would boost intelligence gathering, enable faster emergency response, and improve overall security coordination in the state.