By JOHN NWOKOCHA, Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday underscored the operational efficiency of homegrown defence expertise, reaffirming Nigerian Army’s relentless commitment to advancing indigenous defence technology as a strategic pathway to enhancing operational effectiveness and countering insurgency.
Lt. Gen. Shaibu made the remarks following the formal handover of 15 locally produced Vanquisher Light Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to the Nigerian Army.
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 emphasised 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.
The army chief 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.
In his remarks, 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, 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. This is contained in a press release issued by the Public Relations Officer, DICON, Capt. Jafiada Chinda.
The release concluded with the DICON DG urging 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.
