Nigerian Army receives 15 locally produced armoured vehicles
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the receipt of 15 locally manufactured Vanquisher Light Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) in a move aimed at strengthening its operational capabilities and promoting indigenous defence production.
The armoured vehicles were produced by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in partnership with Vanquish Industries Limited and the Command Engineering Depot of the Nigerian Army.
At the handover ceremony on Thursday, the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shuaibu, said the development reflects the Army’s drive towards military self-reliance and the promotion of homegrown defence technology.
Shuaibu noted that indigenous innovation would improve the Army’s operational readiness and enable it to respond more effectively to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
He added that developing military hardware locally would also help reduce capital flight, stimulate the national economy and reposition the armed forces towards greater self-sufficiency.
The army chief further urged DICON and its partners to sustain high standards in research, development and production to support the country’s defence and security needs.
