The Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing security challenges in the state and the wider North-West region. The Governor's Special Adviser on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman, made this statement while representing Governor Ahmed Aliyu at the Africa International Defence Exhibition AFRIDEX 2026, held at Eko Atlantic, Lagos. Usman emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, defence manufacturers, and technology providers to tackle growing threats of terrorism, banditry, and transnational organised crime.
AFRIDEX 2026, held from October 26 to 29, brought together local and international stakeholders to showcase defence technologies, promote indigenous industrial capacity, and strengthen cooperation among African countries and international partners. The exhibition was officially declared open on behalf of President Bola Tinubu by the President of the Senate, who attended as the Special Guest of Honour. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss innovative security solutions and strategic partnerships to promote lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development.
According to Col. Usman, African countries must invest in indigenous research, local manufacturing, and technological advancement to develop sustainable solutions to security challenges. He noted that effective security management went beyond deploying personnel and military hardware, stressing the importance of intelligence gathering, surveillance, modern communication systems, capacity building, and inter-agency cooperation. The Sokoto State Government remains committed to supporting security agencies, strengthening community-based security initiatives, and providing operational resources to complement Federal Government efforts.
The Sokoto State Government reiterated its readiness to embrace innovative security solutions and strategic partnerships to promote lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development. Usman expressed optimism that AFRIDEX 2026 would create opportunities for partnerships between Nigeria's defence industry and international technology providers, particularly in intelligence gathering, equipment manufacturing, border surveillance, and unmanned systems. This, he believes, will help address the security challenges in the state and the wider North-West region.
Col. Usman commended the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria for organising the exhibition, describing it as a significant step towards positioning Nigeria as a major contributor to Africa's defence and security industry. The exhibition provided a platform for local and international stakeholders to showcase defence technologies and promote indigenous industrial capacity. The Sokoto State Government's commitment to strengthening security partnerships and promoting defence innovation is a step towards addressing the growing security challenges in the state.
The growing threats of terrorism, banditry, and transnational organised crime require stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, defence manufacturers, and technology providers. The Sokoto State Government's efforts to strengthen community-based security initiatives and provide operational resources to security agencies are aimed at restoring peace and protecting lives and property. The government's commitment to embracing innovative security solutions and strategic partnerships is a welcome development in the fight against insecurity.
The Africa International Defence Exhibition AFRIDEX 2026 is a significant event that brought together local and international stakeholders to discuss innovative security solutions and strategic partnerships. The exhibition provided a platform for stakeholders to showcase defence technologies, promote indigenous industrial capacity, and strengthen cooperation among African countries and international partners. The Sokoto State Government's participation in the exhibition is a testament to its commitment to addressing security challenges in the state and the wider North-West region.
Key points
- The Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security partnerships and promoting defence innovation to address security challenges in the state and the wider North-West region.
- The Africa International Defence Exhibition AFRIDEX 2026 provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss innovative security solutions and strategic partnerships to promote lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development.
- The Sokoto State Government's efforts to strengthen community-based security initiatives and provide operational resources to security agencies are aimed at restoring peace and protecting lives and property.
