Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security partnerships, adopting modern defence technologies and supporting innovative approaches to tackling insecurity across Nigeria and Africa.
The commitment was communicated by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Colonel Ahmed Abdul Usman (retd.), who represented Governor Ahmed Aliyu at the official opening ceremony of the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos.
The exhibition, hosted at Eko Atlantic and organised by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), brought together senior government officials, military commanders, defence industry representatives, technology providers and international stakeholders to examine emerging security challenges and explore opportunities for cooperation.
Speaking at the event, Usman emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships, technological innovation and stronger defence capabilities in addressing the increasingly complex security threats confronting Nigeria and other African countries.
He explained that the changing nature of insecurity requires governments to move beyond conventional security approaches by investing in intelligence gathering, surveillance systems, modern communication infrastructure, personnel training and cooperation among security institutions.
The Sokoto Government’s position reflects its determination to strengthen its security architecture through collaboration with federal security agencies, community-based security structures and technology-driven initiatives.
Sokoto Calls for Stronger African Security Cooperation
According to the report published by New Telegraph on November 3, 2026, Usman described AFRIDEX 2026 as an important platform for advancing Africa’s collective security architecture through technological innovation, defence industrialisation and strategic cooperation.
He observed that security threats, including terrorism, banditry, transnational organised crime and other emerging criminal activities, have become increasingly complicated, requiring coordinated responses from governments, security institutions, defence manufacturers and technology companies.
The security adviser stressed that no single country or institution could independently address the growing security challenges facing the continent without meaningful cooperation and the exchange of expertise.
His remarks highlighted the importance of building stronger relationships between African governments and international defence technology providers to improve operational capabilities and strengthen the continent’s capacity to respond to security emergencies.
For Nigeria, the need for stronger security cooperation is particularly significant because several regions continue to experience different forms of insecurity, including armed banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and attacks on vulnerable communities.
In the North-West, where Sokoto is located, armed groups have continued to pose challenges to rural communities, security agencies, economic activities and the safe movement of residents.
The government’s emphasis on intelligence-led security operations and modern technology therefore forms part of a broader discussion about how states can improve their capacity to prevent attacks, identify criminal networks and protect vulnerable populations.
Government Advocates Indigenous Defence Production
One of the major issues raised by Sokoto’s representative at the exhibition was the importance of developing Africa’s indigenous defence industry.
Usman maintained that African countries should increasingly utilise local research, manufacturing capabilities and technological innovation to develop sustainable solutions to their security challenges.
He argued that the continent should not depend entirely on foreign suppliers for critical defence equipment and security technologies.
The position reflects a wider strategic concern about Africa’s dependence on external defence manufacturers for military hardware, surveillance equipment, communication systems and other technologies required for national security.
Developing indigenous defence production capabilities could help African countries strengthen their operational independence, improve access to essential equipment and reduce vulnerabilities associated with relying heavily on international supply chains.
It could also create opportunities for industrial development, technology transfer, specialised employment and collaboration between African universities, research institutions and private companies.
Nigeria has maintained an interest in strengthening its domestic defence manufacturing capacity through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.
DICON plays an important role in the country’s defence industrial development, including the production and supply of military equipment and the promotion of local manufacturing capabilities.
The corporation’s involvement in AFRIDEX 2026 provides an opportunity to connect Nigeria’s defence industry with international manufacturers, technology companies, policymakers and security institutions.
However, developing a sustainable domestic defence industry requires more than organising exhibitions and establishing international partnerships.
It also requires consistent investment in research, technical education, manufacturing infrastructure, quality assurance, institutional coordination and long-term government policies.
For African countries, the challenge is to translate discussions about technological independence into practical manufacturing capacity and equipment that security agencies can effectively deploy.
Modern Technology Identified as Critical to Security Operations
The Sokoto Government also highlighted the importance of technology in addressing contemporary security threats.
Usman explained that effective security management involves more than deploying military personnel and providing conventional equipment.
He identified intelligence gathering, surveillance, modern communication systems, capacity building and cooperation among security agencies as essential components of an effective security framework.
These capabilities are increasingly important because criminal networks often operate across geographical boundaries and exploit weaknesses in intelligence coordination and communication.
Modern surveillance systems can help security agencies monitor vulnerable locations, identify suspicious movements and improve situational awareness.
Similarly, effective communication infrastructure can strengthen coordination between different security formations, particularly during emergencies and joint operations.
Intelligence gathering can also help authorities identify potential threats before they develop into major security incidents.
The exhibition provided an opportunity to examine emerging technologies in areas such as border surveillance, unmanned systems, intelligence equipment, defence manufacturing and other security applications.
Usman expressed optimism that AFRIDEX 2026 would encourage meaningful partnerships between Nigeria’s defence industry and international technology providers.
He particularly identified intelligence, equipment manufacturing, border surveillance, unmanned systems and other security technologies as areas where cooperation could produce significant benefits.
Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these technologies will depend on their appropriate deployment, adequate personnel training, maintenance, accountability and integration into existing security structures.
Technology alone cannot eliminate insecurity. It must operate alongside reliable intelligence, effective law enforcement, community cooperation and institutions capable of responding appropriately to security threats.
Sokoto Highlights Existing Security Interventions
The governor’s representative also reaffirmed that Sokoto State recognises the importance of strategic partnerships and modern security solutions in addressing the challenges confronting the state and the wider North-West region.
According to the report, the state government remains committed to supporting security agencies, strengthening community-based security initiatives and providing operational resources to complement federal efforts aimed at restoring peace.
The commitment builds on several security interventions previously announced by Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration.
In an October 1, 2026, Independence Day message, the governor highlighted the state’s investments in security equipment, operational mobility and intelligence infrastructure.
According to the Sokoto State Government, the administration had provided more than 200 patrol vehicles, 100 Buffalo armoured personnel carriers, 200 motorcycles and thousands of security equipment items to support security operations.
The government also reported providing 2,000 bulletproof vests, 200 night-vision goggles and 100 thermal-vision scopes.
Other interventions highlighted by the administration included facilitating the full operationalisation of the Nigerian Air Force Base in Sokoto and upgrading the Department of State Services (DSS) tracking system from 4G to 5G technology.
The government also established the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps as part of efforts to strengthen security at the community level.
The corps was reportedly provided with 40 Hilux vehicles and 700 motorcycles to improve mobility and support its operations.
In addition, the administration highlighted the establishment of a military barracks in Illela Local Government Area and a Police Mobile Barracks at Tara Village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
These interventions demonstrate the state government’s stated strategy of combining conventional security operations with community-based initiatives and technological support.
However, the availability of equipment and operational resources does not automatically translate into lasting security improvements.
The effectiveness of such investments ultimately depends on how well they are utilised, the quality of intelligence available to security agencies, coordination among operational units and the ability to sustain security operations over time.
AFRIDEX 2026 Brings Defence Stakeholders Together
AFRIDEX 2026 was held from October 26 to 29 at Eko Atlantic, Lagos, providing a platform for governments, military institutions, defence manufacturers and technology companies to explore opportunities for cooperation.
The exhibition was organised by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, with participation from national and international stakeholders in the defence and security sectors.
The opening ceremony was declared open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the President of the Senate, who attended as the Special Guest of Honour.
The event attracted several prominent national and international personalities, including the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, defence ministers, senior military officers, General Officers Commanding, Flag Officers Commanding and Air Officers Commanding.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission and representatives of state governments were also among the dignitaries identified in the report.
The gathering reflected the growing interest in strengthening cooperation between African governments and the international defence industry.
According to AFRIDEX’s official event information, the exhibition was designed to support capability development, interoperability and security resilience across land, maritime, air, space and cyber domains.
These areas reflect the changing nature of modern security, where threats increasingly extend beyond conventional military engagements.
Cybersecurity, for example, has become an important component of national security because government institutions, financial systems, communication networks and critical infrastructure increasingly depend on digital platforms.
Similarly, maritime surveillance and border monitoring are important for countries seeking to prevent illegal activities, protect territorial interests and strengthen regional security cooperation.
The inclusion of these areas in the exhibition’s programme demonstrates the importance of developing a comprehensive approach to defence and security.
Why Stronger Security Partnerships Matter to Sokoto
Sokoto occupies a strategically important position in Nigeria’s North-West region, sharing an international border with the Republic of Niger.
Its geographical location makes border security, intelligence cooperation and effective monitoring of movements particularly important.
The state has experienced security challenges associated with armed banditry, kidnapping and attacks on communities.
These challenges have affected residents, disrupted economic activities and contributed to population displacement.
A September 2026 publication by the Joint IDP Profiling Service (JIPS) reported that more than 181,500 people had been displaced in Sokoto State by banditry, armed group activity and intercommunal violence.
The assessment, conducted with the Sokoto State Bureau of Statistics, the Danish Refugee Council and Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics, examined the living conditions of internally displaced people and their host communities in Sokoto town.
Its findings highlighted challenges involving livelihoods, housing, access to land, food security and essential services.
The displacement situation illustrates why strengthening security partnerships must go beyond military operations.
Restoring safety to affected communities is essential for allowing displaced families to return home, rebuilding livelihoods, reopening economic activities and restoring access to education and healthcare.
It also requires cooperation between security agencies, local authorities, humanitarian organisations and community leaders.
For Sokoto residents, the practical importance of the state’s participation in AFRIDEX will therefore depend on whether the partnerships and technological opportunities discussed can contribute to measurable improvements in public safety.
Defence Innovation and Africa’s Security Future
The growing importance of defence innovation reflects the need for African countries to develop security systems that respond to their specific geographical, economic and operational realities.
Although international partnerships can provide access to advanced technologies and technical expertise, African countries must also strengthen their ability to develop, maintain and independently operate essential security equipment.
Nigeria’s participation in international defence initiatives could create opportunities for local manufacturers to establish relationships with foreign companies, access technical knowledge and explore investment opportunities.
Such partnerships could also support the development of skilled personnel and improve the capacity of local institutions to respond to emerging threats.
For Sokoto, the potential benefits include improved access to modern surveillance capabilities, stronger intelligence systems and better coordination with federal security agencies.
However, these opportunities must be supported by clear implementation strategies and measurable security objectives.
The state government will also need to ensure that investments in technology complement existing security operations and respond to the needs of communities most affected by insecurity.
Equally important is the protection of citizens’ rights and the responsible use of surveillance technologies.
Modern security systems must operate within appropriate legal and institutional frameworks to ensure that efforts to protect communities do not undermine accountability or public trust.
What Happens Next?
The Sokoto Government’s participation in AFRIDEX 2026 reinforces its stated commitment to strengthening security partnerships and adopting innovative approaches to tackling insecurity.
However, the next stage will involve translating the commitments expressed at the exhibition into practical arrangements and operational improvements.
Potential areas of cooperation identified by the governor’s representative include intelligence gathering, defence equipment manufacturing, border surveillance, unmanned systems and other emerging security technologies.
The Sokoto Government has also reiterated its readiness to work with security agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen the state’s security architecture.
No specific new defence agreement, procurement contract or technology acquisition involving Sokoto State was identified in the report of the exhibition.
Consequently, the extent to which the state’s participation will produce new partnerships or additional security capabilities remains to be established.
For residents of Sokoto and other communities affected by insecurity, the ultimate measure of success will not be the number of exhibitions attended or partnerships announced, but improvements in their everyday safety.
Reducing attacks, preventing kidnappings, protecting rural communities, securing transportation routes and creating conditions for displaced families to return home will remain important indicators of progress.
The wider challenge for Nigeria and other African countries is to ensure that technological innovation and international defence cooperation produce practical solutions to the security problems affecting their populations.
The Sokoto Government’s renewed commitment at AFRIDEX 2026 therefore adds to the broader conversation about building stronger African security institutions through collaboration, indigenous innovation and modern technology.
Ultimately, sustainable peace will require more than equipment and strategic partnerships. It will depend on effective institutions, reliable intelligence, professional security operations, public cooperation and sustained commitment to protecting human lives.
Weng Global – stories beyond borders
Sources
- Sokoto State Government – Independence: Sokoto Gov. Calls For Sustained Collaboration To End Insecurity, October 1, 2026.
- New Telegraph – Sokoto Reaffirms Commitment To Security Collaboration At AFRIDEX 2026, November 3, 2026.
- Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) – Official AFRIDEX 2026 information.
- Joint IDP Profiling Service (JIPS) – Durable Solutions for Displacement Affected Communities in Sokoto Town, Nigeria, September 17, 2026.
- AFRIDEX 2026 – Official exhibition information.
