Army Gets 15 Locally Produced Vanquisher Armoured Vehicles

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Nigerian Army has taken delivery of 15 locally produced Vanquisher Light Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) as part of efforts to strengthen its operational capability and promote indigenous defence technology.

According to a statement by Captain Jafiada Chinda, Public Relations Officer of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), the vehicles were formally handed over to the army on 4 March 2026 after being produced locally by DICON in partnership with Vanquish Industries Limited and the Command Engineering Depot.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, said the acquisition demonstrates the army’s commitment to advancing homegrown military innovation as a strategic tool for improving combat effectiveness and tackling securitychallenges.

Represented at the ceremony by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, the army chief described the handover as an important milestone in Nigeria’s drive towards self-reliance in the production of military hardware.

He said indigenous defence innovation was crucial to maintaining combat readiness and operational superiority, particularly in addressing Nigeria’s complex security environment. According to him, platforms such as the Vanquisher Light APC were designed to meet the country’s operational needs and enhance the army’s ability to respond to evolving threats.

Lt Gen Shuaibu also noted that producing military equipment locally would reduce capital flight,stimulate the national economy and strengthen the self-sufficiency of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The Director-General of DICON, Major General BI Alaya, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the country’s military-industrial development and commended the army chief for backing the project.

He urged other security agencies and military services to prioritise locally manufactured defence equipment in order to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s defence industry.