• Nigeria plans to deploy more than 5,000 AI-powered surveillance cameras in Plateau State.
• Authorities will begin deployment in Jos before expanding nationwide.
• The initiative raises questions over infrastructure, data reliability, and short-term effectiveness.

The Nigerian government plans to deploy a network of more than 5,000 digital cameras integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen security in Plateau State, in central Nigeria. Authorities state that this initiative builds on systems already deployed in Lagos and Enugu states.

President Tinubu: FG to Deploy AI-Enabled Camera Networks to Combat Insecurity in Plateau. pic.twitter.com/608mMEHPxX

— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) April 3, 2026

President Bola Tinubu announced the plan on Thursday, April 2, during an address in Jos, the state capital recently hit by a deadly attack. He stated that Communications and Digital Economy Minister Bosun Tijjani will oversee the installation of the devices in coordination with local authorities and security agencies.

The government will begin deployment in Jos before extending the system across the state.

However, authorities have not provided details on the system’s technical specifications or operational framework.

Nguuma Tyokaha, an ICT expert, said in a March interview with Radio Nigeria that Nigeria can significantly reduce kidnappings and other security threats through artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and locally adapted smart surveillance systems.

He stated that AI can analyze large volumes of data, identify patterns, and support decision-making despite not being human. He added that these capabilities make AI a strategic tool for modern security operations.

Tyokaha explained that these technologies can anticipate kidnapping hotspots by using historical data such as locations, timing, victim profiles, and criminal methods. He said systems can generate “heat maps” to identify high-risk areas, enabling authorities and communities to implement preventive measures.

Authorities are introducing this technology within a broader digital transformation strategy. The government aims to expand ICT integration across sectors to support socio-economic development and address structural challenges.

Insecurity remains one of the most pressing issues. For example, an armed attack on March 29 killed around 30 people. The country also faces ransom kidnappings, intercommunal violence, and attacks attributed to armed and terrorist groups.

Authorities have not specified a deployment timeline, although the government statement refers to “immediate” implementation. This lack of clarity raises questions about execution modalities and short-term effectiveness.

Observers also question whether existing infrastructure can support such a system. They highlight concerns about local technical capacity and the availability of reliable and up-to-date data required to ensure system relevance.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum