Sokoto Government Calls for Modern Defence Technology, Stronger Security Cooperation to Tackle Banditry

The Sokoto State Government has called for stronger security cooperation and the adoption of modern defence technologies to tackle terrorism, banditry and other security threats confronting the North-West region.

The state’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Ahmed Usman, made the call while representing Governor Ahmed Aliyu at the Africa International Defence Exhibition 2026 in Lagos.

Usman said the increasing threats of terrorism, banditry and transnational organised crime required closer collaboration among governments, security agencies, defence manufacturers and technology providers.

He stressed that African countries must invest more in intelligence gathering, surveillance systems, modern communication infrastructure and local defence production to strengthen their ability to respond to emerging security challenges.

According to him, the continent must increasingly rely on indigenous research, local manufacturing capacity and technological innovation to develop sustainable solutions to its security problems.

“Africa must increasingly leverage indigenous research, local manufacturing capabilities and technological advancement to develop sustainable solutions to its security challenges rather than depend entirely on external sources for critical defence equipment and technologies,” he said.

The security adviser also identified intelligence sharing, capacity building and inter-agency cooperation as critical to effective security operations.

He noted that tackling insecurity required more than the deployment of security personnel and military equipment, stressing the importance of coordinated operations and access to modern technology.

Usman said the Sokoto State Government recognised the need for modern security solutions and strategic partnerships to address threats facing the state and the wider North-West region.