Sokoto Govt pledges stronger security partnerships to tackle insecurity

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

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

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

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

According to him, African countries must invest in indigenous research, local manufacturing and technological advancement to develop sustainable solutions to security challenges rather than depend entirely on external sources for critical defence equipment and technologies.

The security adviser 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.

He said the Sokoto State Government remained committed to 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.

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.

He also 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 was officially declared open on behalf of President Bola Tinubu by the President of the Senate, who attended as the Special Guest of Honour.

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 among African countries and international partners.

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