Plateau Turns to CCTV and Floodlights to Fight Crime—but Residents Have One Big Fear

The Plateau State Government is stepping up its fight against crime with the installation of CCTV cameras and floodlights across strategic communities in Jos, but residents are already asking a crucial question: will the new security system actually last?

The surveillance equipment is being installed as part of efforts to tackle recurring attacks, killings and other criminal activities across the state.

Cameras and floodlights have been mounted on poles and other strategic locations, with areas including Anguwan Rukuba, Bauchi Road, University of Jos Mado, Yelwan Zangam and Gangare among the communities covered by the initiative.

Government: Technology Will Strengthen Security

Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, said the security infrastructure was designed to help prevent crime and other threats while also improving visibility in areas affected by darkness.

The government hopes the combination of CCTV surveillance and better lighting will give security agencies an additional tool for detecting suspicious activities and responding to threats.

Security Expert Welcomes Initiative

Security expert and criminologist Aliyu Alkasim described the project as a step in the right direction.

He said the world was increasingly embracing technology-driven security systems and that Plateau could benefit from moving beyond traditional security approaches.

According to him, CCTV cameras could serve as an early-warning system and strengthen the state’s overall security architecture.

However, he warned that sustainability could determine whether the project succeeds or fails.

Alkasim noted that similar CCTV initiatives had been launched in other parts of Nigeria but later became ineffective because of poor maintenance and management.

Residents Raise Power and Monitoring Concerns

Some residents have welcomed the project but remain sceptical about its long-term effectiveness.

ASUU President Christopher Piwuna questioned whether Plateau had the necessary infrastructure to keep the cameras running.

“We have many CCTV in this country that don’t work,” he said, stressing the importance of reliable electricity and other supporting infrastructure.

Piwuna also said there must be trained personnel monitoring the cameras around the clock if the project is to make a meaningful difference.

His concern is that the government could launch the initiative with fanfare, raise public expectations and eventually allow the system to collapse.

‘Can It Really Work?’

Resident Khalid Muhammed also questioned whether a dedicated monitoring room would be established and properly staffed.

He recalled previous security technology initiatives that failed to deliver the expected results and argued that government should also strengthen conventional security personnel by providing them with adequate equipment and support.

Maintenance Will Decide the Outcome

The installation of CCTV cameras and floodlights has given many Plateau residents hope that technology could help curb insecurity.

But the biggest challenge may come after the cameras are switched on.

Without steady power, regular maintenance, trained monitoring personnel and rapid security responses, residents fear the equipment could eventually become another set of abandoned government installations.

For now, Plateau has taken the technological route in its battle against insecurity. The real test will be whether the state can keep the cameras watching long after the launch headlines disappear.