President Bola Tinubu has urged African governments to build lasting defence capabilities through joint investment, technical training and local manufacturing, rather than relying solely on imported equipment. His message was delivered by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the Africa International Defence Exhibition in Lagos.
Tinubu said terrorism, piracy, organized crime and emerging cyber threats require coordinated responses. He argued that procurement agreements should leave African countries with maintenance expertise, skilled engineers and stronger domestic industries. He also advocated predictable financing for peace operations and deeper maritime security cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.
The appeal came as the Northern Senators’ Forum demanded stronger security measures in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State following a deadly attack on Binari community. The forum called for additional security personnel, intelligence-led patrols and a forward operating base, as well as emergency assistance for displaced residents.
The supplied police account puts the reported death toll at 58, including people who drowned when an overloaded boat capsized as they fled. However, the report contains inconsistent figures for recovered bodies and should be reconciled with an updated police casualty statement before publication.
Taraba’s emergency management agency said it had begun distributing relief supplies and assessing damage, while the senators called for an investigation and prosecution of those responsible. The attack underscores the urgent need for civilian protection alongside broader continental defence cooperation.
