The Sokoto State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening security partnerships and embracing modern defence technologies to tackle insecurity in the state and the wider North-West region.
The Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Abdul Usman (retd.), stated this while representing Governor Ahmed Aliyu at the opening ceremony of the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX 2026) in Lagos.
Usman described the exhibition as a strategic platform for promoting defence innovation, strengthening regional security cooperation and developing homegrown solutions to Africa’s security challenges.
He said the increasing threats of terrorism, banditry, transnational organised crime and other emerging security challenges made collaboration among governments, security institutions and technology providers imperative.
“Africa must increasingly leverage indigenous research, local manufacturing capabilities and technological advancement to develop sustainable solutions to its security challenges rather than depend entirely on external sources for critical defence equipment and technologies,” he said.
The security adviser stressed that tackling insecurity required more than the deployment of military personnel and equipment, noting that intelligence gathering, surveillance, modern communication systems and inter-agency cooperation were equally essential.
He said the Sokoto State Government, under Governor Ahmed Aliyu, recognised the importance of strategic partnerships and modern security solutions in addressing the threats confronting the state.
According to him, the government remained committed to supporting security agencies, strengthening community-based security initiatives and providing operational resources to complement Federal Government efforts towards restoring peace.
“The state government remains committed to supporting security agencies, strengthening community-based security initiatives and providing operational resources to complement federal efforts towards restoring peace and protecting lives and property,” he said.
Usman expressed optimism that AFRIDEX 2026 would facilitate partnerships between Nigeria’s defence industry and international technology providers in areas such as intelligence gathering, equipment manufacturing, border surveillance and unmanned systems.
He commended the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) for organising the exhibition, describing it as an important step towards positioning Nigeria as a major contributor to Africa’s defence and security industry.
The exhibition was officially declared open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the President of the Senate, who attended as the Special Guest of Honour.
The ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, ministers of defence, senior military officers, General Officers Commanding, Flag Officers Commanding, Air Officers Commanding and the President of the ECOWAS Commission.
AFRIDEX 2026, held from October 26 to 29 at Eko Atlantic, Lagos, provided a platform for showcasing defence technologies, promoting indigenous industrial capacity and encouraging cooperation among African countries and international stakeholders.
The Sokoto State Government said it would continue to explore innovative security solutions and strategic partnerships to achieve lasting peace, stability and sustainable development.
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