The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Monday, joined African military chiefs, senior security officials and defence industry stakeholders at the opening ceremony of the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos.
The exhibition, held today, October 26, brought together policymakers, military leaders, security experts and defence manufacturers to explore innovative solutions to Africa’s evolving security challenges.
The event also featured representatives of President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
AFRIDEX 2026 is designed to promote defence innovation, strengthen strategic partnerships and advance collective security efforts across the continent.
The exhibition provides a platform for showcasing emerging defence technologies, promoting indigenous defence production, facilitating technology transfer and deepening collaboration between African countries and international defence partners.
It also seeks to encourage coordinated responses to transnational threats, asymmetric warfare and other emerging security challenges confronting the continent.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Shaibu’s participation underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to enhancing operational readiness, accelerating capability development and leveraging technological innovation to improve mission effectiveness.
The statement added that strategic partnerships, knowledge exchange and indigenous defence manufacturing remain critical to building a responsive and self-reliant military capable of addressing contemporary security threats.
The exhibition features displays of defence equipment, strategic engagements and live demonstrations, providing opportunities for military institutions and industry stakeholders to explore emerging technologies and strengthen cooperation.
Nigeria’s participation, the statement noted, reinforces the importance of sustained regional and international cooperation in developing effective responses to shared security threats and building a more secure, stable and resilient Africa.
