The Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security partnerships and adopting modern defence technologies to address security challenges across the state and the wider North-West region.

The Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (retd), disclosed this while representing Governor Ahmed Aliyu at the opening ceremony of the Africa International Defence Exhibition 2026, held at Eko Atlantic, Lagos.

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Usman, in a statement made available to journalists in Sokoto on Tuesday, described the exhibition as an important platform for improving Africa’s collective security through technological innovation, local defence production and strategic cooperation.

He said the growing threats of terrorism, banditry, transnational organised crime and other emerging security challenges required stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, defence manufacturers and technology providers.

According to him, African countries must increase investment in indigenous research, local manufacturing and technological advancement to develop sustainable solutions to their security problems.

“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 noted that effective security management involved more than deploying personnel and military equipment, stressing the importance of intelligence gathering, surveillance, modern communication systems, capacity building and cooperation among security agencies.

He said the Sokoto Government recognised the importance of strategic partnerships and modern security solutions in tackling threats confronting the state and the North-West region.

Usman added that the administration would continue supporting security agencies, strengthening community-based security initiatives and providing operational resources to complement Federal Government efforts to restore peace and protect lives and property.

He 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.

He also commended the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria 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 Tinubu by the President of the Senate, who attended as the Special Guest of Honour.

The ceremony attracted senior government officials and security stakeholders, including the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, defence ministers, 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, brought together local and international stakeholders to showcase defence technologies, promote indigenous industrial capacity and strengthen cooperation between African countries and international partners.

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The Sokoto State Government reiterated its readiness to embrace innovative security solutions and strategic partnerships as part of efforts to promote lasting peace, stability and sustainable development.