President Tinubu orders deployment of 5,000 AI-powered surveillance cameras in Plateau following deadly Jos attack, vowing justice and enhanced security
Tinubu Orders 5,000 AI Surveillance Cameras in Plateau After Deadly Jos Attack
Jos, Nigeria — April 2, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate deployment of over 5,000 artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance cameras across Plateau State, in a sweeping move to strengthen security following the recent deadly attack in Jos.
The directive came on Thursday during the President’s visit to the state after the March 29 assault on residents of Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area, which claimed several lives.
Tinubu said the AI-powered surveillance system—under the supervision of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani—will be rolled out first in Jos before expanding statewide, in collaboration with the Plateau State Government and security agencies.
“I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself,” the President assured victims and residents during a meeting at the arrival lounge of the Yakubu Gowon Airport.
He explained that the initiative builds on similar security infrastructure already implemented in Lagos and Enugu States, aimed at boosting intelligence gathering, surveillance, and rapid response by law enforcement agencies.
Visibly moved, Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the killings.
“It is only God that can give you joy and comfort. No amount of money can recompense for lost souls,” he said.
The President issued a strong directive to security chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure those responsible are swiftly brought to justice.
“You must unearth and find the killers,” Tinubu declared.
He also directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Doro, to compile comprehensive data on victims to ensure fair and timely distribution of relief support.
Addressing political leaders and stakeholders, the President called for unity and proactive measures to prevent future violence.
“Why is the past not a source of lessons to us?” he asked, referencing key figures including Jonah Jang, Simon Lalong, Ahmed Idris Wase, Nentawe Yilwatda, and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
“We were elected on a promise of peace and security… not to create widows and widowers,” Tinubu said.
“I want to be here to establish peace.”
Governor Mutfwang described the attack as a temporary setback, expressing confidence in ongoing security efforts.
“We will win this war against insecurity,” he said, while thanking the President for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen local security.
Also speaking, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda praised Tinubu’s intervention, noting that the crisis has persisted for years but expressing optimism about a turning point.
Former governor Jonah David Jang warned of a dangerous escalation, as violence spreads from rural communities into urban centres.
“The fact that the violence is now leaving the villages and getting into the townships is a dimension that we do not want to see,” he cautioned.
Similarly, former governor Simon Lalong stressed that lasting peace must come from within the people.
“It is not security agencies that will bring peace — Plateau people will bring peace,” he said.
Former Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase highlighted ongoing security challenges, revealing fresh casualties in parts of the state.
“In Wase and Kanke alone, last week we lost over 14 people,” he disclosed, calling for stronger coordination between air and ground forces.
The President’s visit comes amid growing concerns over recurring violence in Plateau State, with the Federal Government reiterating its resolve to restore lasting peace and protect lives across the region.
