Insecurity: Plateau To Install 5,000 Surveillance Cameras, Deploy Drones – SSG

The Plateau State Government says it is set to install about 5,000 surveillance cameras, deploy drones and establish a command-and-control centre as part of efforts to strengthen security and improve real-time monitoring across the state.

The Secretary to the Government of State, Arch Samuel Jatau, disclosed this on Wednesday in Jos while briefing journalists on the policies, activities and governance direction of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration.

Jatau said the installation of the surveillance system is part of a broader security strategy aimed at enhancing intelligence gathering, improving response time and strengthening community safety across Plateau State.

He explained that federal government officials and state representatives had recently inspected the surveillance equipment in China ahead of its deployment.

According to him, the state already operates drones and a central command-and-control system designed to provide real-time security intelligence to relevant agencies.

On community security, the SGS said residents remain critical stakeholders in the security architecture and urged continuous vigilance and cooperation with security operatives.

He also disclosed that the state requires about N60 billion to clear outstanding pension and gratuity arrears owed to retirees of both state and local government areas.

Jatau said the Mutfwang administration had so far spent over N20 billion on pension payments since assuming office, adding that the government adopted a chronological payment system to ensure fairness and eliminate irregularities.

He noted that the Pension Board had already progressed beyond 2011 in its payment schedule.

Speaking on agriculture, Jatau described the sector as the fastest pathway to economic growth, adding that the government had procured over 200 land tillers and secured hybrid potato seedlings to boost productivity.

He also announced the commencement of a 500-cattle-per-day abattoir project in Heipang, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, aimed at positioning Plateau State in the global meat and dairy value chain.

Jatau said the government was engaging foreign investors, with preliminary discussions indicating potential investments exceeding $400 million.

He urged residents to support government policies, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms would strengthen the state’s economy and improve livelihoods.