The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s relentless commitment to advancing indigenous defence technology as a strategic pathway to enhancing operational effectiveness and countering insurgency.
This commitment was demonstrated on 4 March 2026 with the formal handover of 15 locally produced Vanquisher Light Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to the Nigerian Army.
A statement signed by Captain Jafiada Chinda Public Relations Officer DICON said the platforms were manufactured by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in collaboration with Vanquish Industries Limited and the Command Engineering Depot.
The COAS represented at the event by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi described the event as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for self-reliance in military hardware production.
The COAS emphasized that indigenous defence innovation remains critical to achieving combat readiness and operational superiority, particularly within Nigeria’s unique security environment.
He noted that platforms such as the Vanquisher Light APC are specifically designed to address the nation’s operational challenges while strengthening the Army’s capacity to respond effectively to evolving threats.
Lieutenant General Shuaibu further highlighted that local production of military equipment will significantly reduce capital flight, stimulate the national economy and reposition the Armed Forces of Nigeria toward greater self-sufficiency.
He described the ceremony as the first of many milestones in the Army’s sustained drive to promote homegrown military technology and innovation.
The COAS encouraged DICON to sustain its momentum in research, development, and the production of high-quality military hardware that meets global standards.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of DICON Major General BI Alaya expressed profound appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his steadfast support and confidence in DICON as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s military-industrial advancement.
He also commended the COAS for his consistent backing, which he noted was instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.
The Director-General further urged heads of security agencies and sister services to emulate the Nigerian Army by prioritizing and patronizing indigenous defence products in order to accelerate the nation’s military-industrial growth.
