Nigerian Army takes delivery of 15 locally made APCs
By Mohammed Tijjani
The Nigerian Army on Wednesday took delivery of 15 locally manufactured Vanquisher Light Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) from the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) as part of efforts to enhance operational readiness and boost indigenous defence production.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Kaduna, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shu’aibu, described the event as a historic milestone in the advancement of the Armed Forces and a testament to Nigeria’s growing defence manufacturing capacity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the COAS was represented by Chief of Policy and Plan , Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi .
Shu’aibu said the handover was not merely the transfer of equipment but a tangible proof of the expanding local capability in the production of critical military hardware.
He said the development aligned with his command philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force, capable of operating effectively within a joint and multi-agency environment.
The COAS stated that his leadership was anchored on four pillars: professional excellence, robust administration, operational readiness, and strategic cooperation with exemplary leadership.
According to him, the newly delivered vehicles will significantly enhance troops survival, manoeuvers and mission effectiveness across various theatres of operation.
He noted that earlier batches of the vehicles had undergone operational testing and proved reliable, leading to the directive for the production of additional units for immediate deployment.
Shu’aibu commended DICON, Vanquish Industries Limited and the Command Engineering Depot for their collaboration, and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to patronising indigenous manufacturers.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of DICON, Maj.-Gen. Babatunde Alaya, said the handover marked a major step towards self-reliance in defence assets.
Alaya disclosed that the 15 APCs were part of 20 locally produced ballistic-protected platforms manufactured in collaboration with Vanquish Industries Limited and the Command Engineering Depot.
He said the vehicles were designed with Nigeria’s operational environment in mind and configured for multiple missions, including troop transportation, convoy escort, reconnaissance and internal security operations.
Alaya said local production of armaments would reduce capital flight, generate revenue and create employment opportunities for Nigerian engineers and skilled workers.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Vanquish Industries Limited, Mr Zacharia Ndiriza, said the production of the vehicles demonstrated the capacity of African industries to design and manufacture world-class defence solutions.
He said the platform was built on three core principles of protection, agility and adaptability to meet evolving operational realities.
Ndiriza expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for supporting indigenous defence manufacturing.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to research, innovation and responsible production in line with military standards.
The ceremony featured a guided tour of DICON’s production facilities and the Nigerian Army 7th Vehicle Assembly Plant.
