President Bola Tinubu has directed the deployment of more than 5,000 artificial intelligence-powered surveillance cameras across Plateau State to address escalating security challenges. The announcement was made on Thursday in Jos during Tinubu's visit to the state, where he also expressed condolences over the violence that occurred on March 29. The AI cameras are intended to enhance monitoring and response capabilities in hotspot areas. No specific timeline or funding details for the rollout were disclosed. The federal government cited improved intelligence gathering and deterrence of criminal activity as key objectives of the initiative. Security agencies will reportedly oversee the installation and operation of the system.
Spending on 5,000 AI cameras suggests the administration believes technology can outpace violence in Plateau, even as victims of the March 29 attacks wait for arrests. Tinubu's focus on surveillance hardware sidesteps the long-standing failure of human intelligence and community trust. If the cameras go up but investigations stay broken, the state will be better watched — not safer.
