By Nkechi Eze
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has arrived in Bamako, Mali, to participate in the maiden edition of the Bamako International Defence and Security Exhibition (BAMEX 2025), a major continental platform designed to promote collaboration and innovation in Africa’s defence and security sectors.
According to an official statement signed by the Minister’s Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mati Ali, the Minister was received on arrival at the Military Wing of the Bamako International Airport by the Malian Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, General Sadio Camara, alongside senior officials of the Malian Armed Forces.
The Nigerian Defence Minister was accorded a warm reception that included a colourful parade mounted in his honour, reflecting the cordial diplomatic and defence ties between the two countries.
Shortly after his arrival, Minister Badaru held a brief but strategic meeting with his Malian counterpart, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and enhancing joint efforts toward regional peace and stability.
The discussions, according to the statement, focused on practical ways to deepen collaboration between Nigeria and Mali in addressing shared security concerns such as terrorism, transnational crime, and insurgency across the West African subregion.
BAMEX 2025, being held for the first time, brings together government officials, military leaders, defence industry representatives, and international partners to explore innovations in defence technology and strategies for tackling emerging security challenges across Africa.
