The Nigerian Army has taken delivery of 15 locally manufactured Vanquisher Light Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) as part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness and deepen Nigeria’s push for indigenous defence technology.
The vehicles were formally handed over on 4 March 2026 by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in collaboration with Vanquish Industries Limited and the Command Engineering Depot.
The development is expected to enhance troop mobility, protection and operational capability in various theatres of operation across the country.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to promoting indigenous defence innovation as a strategic response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Represented at the event by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, the Army chief described the induction of the vehicles as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for self-reliance in defence production.
He said the development reflected the Army’s broader modernisation drive aimed at strengthening combat readiness and operational superiority within Nigeria’s complex security environment.
“This commitment was demonstrated on March 4, 2026, with the formal handover of 15 locally produced Vanquisher Light Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to the Nigerian Army,” he said.
According to him, platforms such as the Vanquisher Light APC were specifically designed to address the country’s operational challenges and enhance the Army’s ability to respond quickly to emerging security threats.
He added that expanding local production of military hardware would not only improve operational capability but also support economic growth.
“The Army chief also stated that local production of military equipment would help reduce capital flight, stimulate the national economy, and reposition the Armed Forces of Nigeria toward greater self-sufficiency,” he said.
Shuaibu further noted that the handover ceremony represented the beginning of a series of milestones in the Army’s sustained effort to promote homegrown defence technology and innovation.
He also urged DICON to continue strengthening research, development and manufacturing capacity to produce military equipment that meets global standards.
Earlier, the Director-General of DICON, Major General Babatunde Alaya, expressed appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s military-industrial capacity.
Alaya also commended the Chief of Army Staff for his consistent support, noting that the project would not have been possible without the Army’s backing.
He called on other security agencies and the sister services within the Armed Forces to prioritise locally produced defence equipment to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s defence manufacturing sector.
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