Cross River Launches AI-Powered Surveillance to Combat Crime and Floods

The Cross River State Government has approved the rollout of an artificial intelligence-driven surveillance project aimed at strengthening security, emergency response, and climate resilience across the state.

The initiative, endorsed by the State Executive Council, is part of the Cross River Resilience Agenda (2026–2030).

It was presented by Dr. Bong Duke, Vice Chairman and CEO of the State Planning Commission, who described the project as a major step toward modernizing governance with digital technology.

According to Duke, the current analogue surveillance system covers less than 10 percent of Calabar and leaves other major towns like Akamkpa, Ugep, Ikom, Ogoja, and Obudu without monitoring.

The new system, developed in partnership with Huawei Technologies and its local partner Dubass Synergy Multi-Services Limited, will deploy AI-enabled smart cameras across strategic locations.

The first phase will focus on intersections, government facilities, coastal communities, waterways, the Ikang Expressway, Carnival routes, and other security flashpoints.

All installations will feed into a central command centre at the Office of the State Security Adviser for real-time monitoring.

The AI-powered cameras will feature facial recognition, automatic number plate detection, violence and theft alerts, fire and flood monitoring, and illegal waste-dumping detection.

The system will also integrate solar-powered installations, wireless data transmission, and a unified analytics dashboard.Duke emphasized that the project is not just about surveillance but about protecting lives, safeguarding infrastructure, and building resilient communities.

He projected that emergency response times in Calabar would drop from over 45 minutes to under 12 minutes.

The initiative is expected to create jobs for at least 120 local technicians and boost Cross River’s readiness to host international events such as AFSNET 2026.

It also aims to enhance investor confidence and strengthen the state’s profile as a hub for tourism, commerce, and innovation.

Governor Bassey Otu’s administration has positioned the project as part of broader efforts to deploy 21st-century technology for public safety, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.

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