The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has joined African military leaders, senior policymakers and global defence industry stakeholders in Lagos for the maiden Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX 2026).
The Exhibition aimed at addressing the continent’s evolving security challenges.
Lieutenant General Shaibu attended the opening ceremony at Eko Atlantic City alongside national and international dignitaries.
In a statement, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele said: “the gathering brought together military leaders, security experts and defence manufacturers to advance Africa’s collective security interests, promote defence innovation and strengthen strategic partnerships.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented at the event by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, highlighting the Nigeria Government’s focus on developing indigenous defence capabilities and strengthening regional security cooperation.
AFRIDEX 2026 provides a platform for showcasing emerging defence technologies, promoting local military equipment production, facilitating technology transfer and improving operational cooperation between African countries and international security partners.
The exhibition also seeks to encourage coordinated regional responses to transnational threats, asymmetric warfare and emerging security challenges across Africa.
Lieutenant General Shaibu’s participation reflects the Nigerian Army’s efforts to improve operational readiness, modernise its equipment and adopt technological innovations to enhance mission effectiveness.
His engagement also highlights the importance of knowledge-sharing, international cooperation and domestic defence manufacturing in developing a self-reliant military capable of responding to contemporary security threats.
The five-day exhibition features defence equipment displays, strategic sessions and live technology demonstrations designed to encourage collaboration between military institutions and industry leaders.
Nigeria’s participation underscores the role of regional and international partnerships in strengthening defence capabilities and promoting long-term security and stability across Africa.
