President Bola Tinubu has urged African countries to strengthen defence partnerships by developing local expertise, supporting indigenous industries and improving their ability to sustain security operations. Tinubu made the call at the opening of the Africa International Defence Exhibition 2026 in Lagos, where he was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. He said terrorism, insurgency, […]
President Bola Tinubu has urged African countries to strengthen defence partnerships by developing local expertise, supporting indigenous industries and improving their ability to sustain security operations.
Tinubu made the call at the opening of the Africa International Defence Exhibition 2026 in Lagos, where he was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
He said terrorism, insurgency, banditry, piracy and cybercrime required coordinated responses across the continent. He added that defence agreements should deliver long-term benefits through skills development, technology transfer and stronger domestic industries.
The president also called for reliable funding, adequate equipment, rigorous training and sustained support for African-led peace operations. He urged greater maritime cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea and increased investment in emerging military technologies.
Meanwhile, the death toll from Friday’s attack on Binnari community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State has risen to 58 after 15 people drowned when their canoe capsized as they fled the attackers.
The Taraba State Police Command confirmed the additional deaths, explaining that the victims were escaping through a river in an overloaded canoe. Police also reported recovering more bodies from nearby bushes and the river.
The attack, which occurred on October 23 shortly after Juma’at prayers, reportedly claimed the lives of worshippers, vigilantes, women and children. Properties worth millions of naira were also destroyed.
The Northern Senators’ Forum has called for increased security operations in the affected communities. In a condolence message issued through its chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, the forum urged the police, Department of State Services and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to deploy additional personnel and resources.
The senators also proposed establishing a Forward Operating Base and conducting intelligence-led patrols across Karim-Lamido and the River Benue corridor, particularly along the Kompany-Asusar route. They called for a thorough investigation and the prosecution of those responsible.
The forum further appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency and other organisations to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to affected families.
In response, the Taraba State Government has begun distributing relief materials through the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency. The intervention includes assessing the damage and providing essential supplies to victims.
The agency’s Executive Secretary, Dr Echuseh Audu, said the government was committed to supporting affected residents, including through immediate relief, long-term recovery and measures to improve security in the community.
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