The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has joined African military leaders, security experts and defence industry stakeholders at the opening of the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos, as participants seek innovative solutions to the continent’s security challenges.
The exhibition, which opened on Monday, October 26, brought together policymakers, senior military officers and defence manufacturers to promote technological innovation, strengthen strategic partnerships and advance collective security efforts across Africa.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the event also featured representatives of President Bola Tinubu and the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.
Anele said the exhibition provided an opportunity for African countries and international partners to explore emerging defence technologies, encourage indigenous military production and deepen cooperation in addressing evolving security threats.
She noted that AFRIDEX 2026 was designed to facilitate technology transfer, strengthen collaboration among participating countries and promote coordinated responses to transnational threats and asymmetric warfare.
The Army spokesperson said Shaibu’s participation reflected the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving operational readiness, developing military capabilities and adopting technological innovations to enhance the effectiveness of its operations.
According to the statement, strategic partnerships, knowledge exchange and indigenous defence manufacturing remain important to building a responsive and self-reliant military capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.
The exhibition features displays of defence equipment, strategic engagements and live demonstrations, allowing military institutions and industry stakeholders to examine emerging technologies and explore opportunities for cooperation.
Nigeria’s participation, the statement added, underscores the importance of sustained regional and international partnerships in developing effective responses to shared security threats and promoting a more secure, stable and resilient Africa.
The event is expected to provide a platform for strengthening defence cooperation and exploring technological solutions to the continent’s evolving security needs.
