By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Army has taken delivery of 15 newly produced Vanquisher Light Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), reinforcing its commitment to strengthening indigenous defence capability and enhancing operational readiness across theatres of operation.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, reaffirmed the Army’s resolve to advance homegrown military technology as a strategic approach to improving combat effectiveness and countering insurgency. The pledge was demonstrated during the formal handover of the locally manufactured platforms.
According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Captain Jafiada Chinda, the 15 Vanquisher Light APCs were produced through a collaboration between DICON, Vanquish Industries Limited, and the Command Engineering Depot.
Represented at the ceremony by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, the COAS described the acquisition as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for self-reliance in military hardware production.
He stressed that indigenous defence innovation remains central to achieving sustained combat readiness and operational superiority, particularly within Nigeria’s complex and evolving security landscape.
Lieutenant General Shuaibu noted that the Vanquisher Light APCs were specifically designed to address Nigeria’s unique operational challenges, enhancing troop mobility, protection and rapid response capabilities in conflict zones.
He added that local production of military equipment would reduce capital flight, stimulate economic growth and reposition the Armed Forces of Nigeria towards greater self-sufficiency.
The Army Chief described the ceremony as the first of many milestones in the service’s long-term drive to promote indigenous military technology and innovation.
Additionally, he urged DICON to maintain its momentum in research, development and the production of high-quality military hardware that meets global standards.
The Director-General of DICON, Major General B.I. Alaya, in response expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his sustained support and confidence in DICON as a pillar of Nigeria’s military-industrial advancement. He also commended the COAS for his consistent backing, which he said was instrumental to the successful delivery of the project.
Major General Alaya further called on heads of security agencies and sister services to prioritise and patronise locally manufactured defence products to accelerate Nigeria’s military-industrial growth and deepen national self-reliance in defence production.
