KEY POINTS

• Tinubu ordered installation of over 5,000 surveillance cameras in Plateau after the Palm Sunday killings.
• The Nigerian Army deployed more than 850 additional troops to reinforce security operations.
• Government pledged compensation for victims and rollout of AI-enabled monitoring to prevent further violence.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the installation of more than 5,000 networked surveillance cameras across Plateau State to help security agencies identify perpetrators of violence and prevent further attacks.

The directive was issued during a town hall meeting with political and traditional leaders at Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos, following the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba that left 28 people dead.

Tinubu said the cameras would be linked to law enforcement agencies for real-time monitoring and rapid response. He also invited Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani to oversee the deployment, which will begin in Jos before expanding to other parts of the state.

The Nigerian Army approved the deployment of more than 850 additional troops to Plateau State to reinforce ongoing security operations. The troops, drawn from formations in Abuja and Kaduna, will operate under Operation Enduring Peace to protect lives and restore order in affected communities.

Chief of Army Staff Waidi Shaibu directed the troops to remain professional and firm in dealing with criminal elements. Security chiefs, including the Inspector-General of Police, were also instructed to track down and apprehend those responsible for the killings.

Tinubu meets victims, promises support

During the visit, Tinubu met with families of victims, including a grieving mother whose video circulated widely after the attack. He expressed sympathy and assured them that the government would provide support, while acknowledging that no compensation could replace lost lives.

The President also announced the formation of a committee involving the state government and humanitarian agencies to assess damages and recommend compensation for affected families and communities.

Tijani said artificial intelligence-enabled cameras would be deployed across Plateau to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve response time. He noted that similar technology has been implemented in Lagos and Enugu to enhance security and monitoring.

The minister added that technical teams would work with the Plateau State Government to deepen digital infrastructure and ensure the system supports long-term security operations.