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FG Reaffirms Commitment to Collaboration, Innovation at AFRIDEX 2026

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FG Reaffirms Commitment to Collaboration, Innovation at AFRIDEX 2026

By: Michael Mike

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s strong commitment to inter-agency collaboration, innovation, and national development during a high-level engagement with organisers of the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026.

The Minister made this known while receiving Maj. Gen. Umar Alkali and his delegation on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

Describing AFRIDEX as “a very special programme,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that meaningful progress within Nigeria’s defence and security architecture can only be achieved through collaboration rather than isolated efforts. He stressed the need for institutions to embrace openness, synergy, and strategic partnerships to maximise national impact and drive sustainable development.

He commended the AFRIDEX initiative as a critical platform for both emerging and established innovators, particularly Nigerian youths who continue to demonstrate exceptional ingenuity in digital and cybersecurity sectors. According to the Minister, providing visibility for such talents is essential for strengthening national pride, advancing economic growth, and enhancing global competitiveness.

Highlighting the central role of research in national development, Tunji-Ojo called for stronger linkages between innovation and market opportunities. He noted that creating platforms where innovators, manufacturers, and investors can interact is key to translating research into tangible economic value.

Encouraging the organisers, the Minister advised that AFRIDEX should be institutionalised as an annual event. While acknowledging that the maiden edition may present challenges, he noted that it would also offer valuable lessons to improve future editions. He further called for deeper collaboration among security and intelligence agencies, stressing that “this is not a time for territorial thinking, but for collective progress.”

Reaffirming the Ministry’s support, he described AFRIDEX as an initiative that represents “the future, not just the present,” adding that sustained efforts would attract international participation and promote the growth of indigenous industries.

On visa facilitation, the Minister acknowledged ongoing improvements but recommended the establishment of a dedicated support desk to ensure seamless entry processes for the expected influx of international participants.

Earlier, Maj. Gen. Alkali expressed appreciation to the Minister for the audience and commended his continued support for capacity building and inter-agency cooperation. He formally introduced AFRIDEX as a premier global defence and security exhibition scheduled to hold from October 26–29, 2026, at Eko Atlantic City.

Organised with the support of the Federal Government of Nigeria and hosted by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, the event is expected to bring together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and innovators. The exhibition will showcase cutting-edge solutions across land, air, maritime, space, and cyber domains, with over 30,000 international participants and 500 exhibitors anticipated.

Alkali also highlighted the critical role of the Ministry of Interior in ensuring the success of the event, particularly in the areas of security coordination and visa facilitation. He formally invited the Honourable Minister to participate and requested the Ministry’s support in promoting AFRIDEX through its platforms, as well as encouraging participation from agencies under its supervision.

The visit concluded with a shared commitment to strategic partnership and a unified vision of positioning Nigeria as a global hub for defence innovation and security solutions.

FG Reaffirms Commitment to Collaboration, Innovation at AFRIDEX 2026

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Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau

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Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have foiled a suspected kidnapping attempt and rescued a gunshot-wounded victim along the Rafin Sanyi axis in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 6 OPEP, deployed at Sopp, responded to a distress report at about 9:40 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026, after suspected kidnappers blocked the road in the area.

The swift intervention of the troops reportedly forced the criminals to flee before they could carry out their operation.
The troops subsequently combed the area and rescued one occupant of a Sharon vehicle who had sustained a gunshot wound.

The victim was evacuated to the Nigerian Army Medical Outpost at Tigi, where he received first aid treatment.

Troops have continued to dominate the general area through fighting patrols to prevent the criminals from regrouping and forestall further attacks.

Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau

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Troops Raid Jos Hotel, Arrest Five Suspects Over Phone Snatching, Recover 26 Phones

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Troops Raid Jos Hotel, Arrest Five Suspects Over Phone Snatching, Recover 26 Phones

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have raided a hotel along Baring Road in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, arresting five suspected criminals and recovering 26 mobile phones and other items.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 1 OPEP, while on patrol, responded to a report of phone snatching at about 9:00 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026.

Following the incident, the stolen phone was reportedly tracked to Prime House Hotel within the area, prompting the troops to conduct a raid on the facility.

The operation led to the arrest of five suspects identified as Tahir Suleiman, 25; Muhammed Ahmed, 25; Muhammed Labaran Haruna, 27; Yahya Yunusa, 20; and Aisha Mohammad, 22.

The suspects were reportedly found in possession of the tracked phone, while a further search led to the recovery of 26 mobile phones, 27 pouches, three MP devices, two earpods, an HP laptop, a knife and four power banks.

The vehicle belonging to the suspects was also towed to the headquarters of Sector 1 for a comprehensive search.
The suspects and recovered exhibits remain in custody for further investigation and necessary action.

Troops Raid Jos Hotel, Arrest Five Suspects Over Phone Snatching, Recover 26 Phones

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Troops Rescue 119 Civilians, Recover Eight Vehicles from Terrorists in Borno

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Troops Rescue 119 Civilians, Recover Eight Vehicles from Terrorists in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 119 civilians, including women and children, and recovered eight vehicles after confronting terrorists who blocked a major road and abducted travellers in Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 3:45 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026, by troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion, 27 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2, while conducting surveillance along the Dutsen Kura–Bulazarma–Kamuya road.

The troops reportedly sighted terrorists blocking the road and abducting civilians alongside their vehicles, prompting the mobilisation of the battalion’s Special Forces Quick Reaction Force and another QRF team from 27 Task Force Brigade headquarters.

The teams moved through the Mangari–Dora route, pursued and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon the abducted civilians and vehicles in confusion.

The operation led to the rescue of 119 civilians comprising 69 men, 35 women and 15 children, while eight vehicles were also recovered.

The rescued victims were subsequently reunited safely with their families.
However, during the withdrawal, troops discovered an improvised explosive device (IED) around the Bam Buratai Junction–Bula Zarma general area.

The unit’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team marked and secured the location for safe disposal of the device.
The troops returned to base at about 7:36 p.m. the same day.

Troops Rescue 119 Civilians, Recover Eight Vehicles from Terrorists in Borno

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