The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shuaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to advancing indigenous defence technology as a strategic means of strengthening operational effectiveness and combating 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.
The armoured platforms were manufactured by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria in collaboration with Vanquish Industries Limited and the Command Engineering Depot.
Represented at the ceremony by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Bamidele Alabi, the COAS described the development as a major milestone in Nigeria’s quest for self-reliance in military hardware production.
According to him, indigenous defence innovation is critical to achieving combat readiness and operational superiority, particularly in addressing Nigeria’s unique security challenges.
He explained that platforms such as the Vanquisher Light APC were specifically designed to meet the country’s operational requirements while strengthening the Army’s capacity to respond to evolving threats.
Shuaibu also noted that local production of military equipment would help reduce capital flight, stimulate the national economy and position the Armed Forces of Nigeria towards greater self-sufficiency.
He described the handover ceremony as the first of several milestones in the Army’s sustained effort to promote homegrown military technology and innovation.
The Army chief further encouraged the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria 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, Bello Alaya, expressed appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continued support and confidence in the corporation.
Alaya also commended the Chief of Army Staff for his backing of the project, which he said played a significant role in bringing it to fruition.
He urged heads of other security agencies and sister services to emulate the Nigerian Army by prioritising locally produced defence equipment in order to accelerate Nigeria’s military-industrial growth.
