By George Omagbemi Sylvester
The Nigerian Army, under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has officially taken delivery of 15 locally produced Vanquisher Light Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to strengthen its operational capability amid evolving security challenges across the country. The handover ceremony took place in Kaduna on March 4, 2026, with senior military officials and industry representatives in attendance.
The newly acquired APCs (designed and manufactured in collaboration between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and Vanquish Industries Limited) are configured to enhance troop mobility, protection and mission effectiveness in counter‑insurgency and internal security operations. Local production reflects a determined push toward defence self‑reliance and reduced dependence on foreign imports.
Speaking at the event, Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting indigenous military innovation, stressing that homegrown platforms tailored to Nigeria’s security environment would improve performance on the ground and foster technological growth within the defence sector. He also commended federal policies that encourage industrial participation and military–industry partnerships.
DICON’s leadership described the milestone as a major step toward building sustainable local defence manufacturing capacity, job creation, and economic value retention within Nigeria. The APCs mark a clear demonstration of growing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to produce world‑class defence solutions that meet the needs of its armed forces.
Leave a Reply