Kaduna: The Nigerian Army has received 15 locally manufactured All-Terrain Combat Vehicles, known as ‘Vanquisher’, to enhance operational efficiency and troop mobility in challenging terrains. The armoured personnel carriers (APCs) were produced by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shu’aibu, speaking at the handover ceremony in Kaduna, described the event as a significant moment in the advancement of the Armed Forces and a testament to Nigeria’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities. The COAS was represented at the event by Chief of Policy and Plan, Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi.
Shu’aibu highlighted the handover as evidence of expanding local capability in producing essential military hardware. He emphasized the alignment of this development with the command’s 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.
He stated that his leadership is anchored on four pillars: professional excellence, robust administration, operational readiness, and strategic cooperation with exemplary leadership. The newly delivered vehicles are expected to significantly enhance troop survivability, manoeuvrability, and mission effectiveness across various theatres of operation.
The COAS noted that earlier batches of the vehicles had undergone operational testing and proved reliable, leading to the directive for additional units’ production 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 supporting indigenous manufacturers.
Maj.-Gen. Babatunde Alaya, the Director-General of DICON, stated that the handover marked a significant step towards defence self-reliance. He explained that the 15 APCs handed over were part of 20 locally produced ballistic-protected platforms manufactured in collaboration with Vanquish Industries Limited and the Command Engineering Depot. The vehicles are designed for multiple missions, including troop transportation, convoy escort, reconnaissance, and internal security operations.
Alaya added that local production would reduce capital flight, generate revenue, and create employment opportunities for Nigerian engineers and skilled workers. Mr. Zacharia Ndiriza, the Managing Director of Vanquish Industries Limited, noted that the production of the vehicles demonstrated the capacity of African industries to design and manufacture world-class defence solutions. He reiterated the company’s commitment to research, innovation, and responsible production in line with military standards.
The event included a guided tour of DICON’s production facilities and the Nigerian Army 7th Vehicle Assembly Plant.