The Nigerian Army has taken delivery of more than half a dozen Vanquisher light armoured personnel carriers (APCs) manufactured locally by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and Vanquish Industries Limited, as well as dozens of Dagger APCs from France’s Arquus.
A total of 15 Vanquisher vehicles were formally handed over to the Nigerian Army on 4 March. The Land Cruiser-based vehicles were manufactured by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria in collaboration with Vanquish Industries Limited and the Command Engineering Depot.
The Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, described the handover event as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for self-reliance in military hardware production.
Alabi 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.
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, the Nigerian Army said. Alabi described the ceremony as the first of many milestones in the Army’s sustained drive to promote homegrown military technology and innovation.
He encouraged DICON 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, Major General BI Alaya, expressed 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.
The Director-General further urged 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.
The Managing Director of Vanquish Industries Limited, Zach Duwa, said the handover, “represents more than the unveiling of a platform. It reflects vision, discipline and the firm belief that African industry can design and manufacture world-class defence solutions.”
“Today is about more than technology. It is about sovereignty, resilience, job creation and confidence in our ability to innovate and manufacture at the highest level. As these vehicles enter service, we remain committed to responsible production and the ethical stewardship of defence technology.”
The Vanquisher appears to be an armoured version of the Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4, and fitted with an overhead machinegun turret. Last year, Vanquish Industries also supplied all-terrain combat armoured carriers to the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri to support counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.
Meanwhile, in early February, photos emerged showing about 30 Arquus Dagger APCs recently delivered to Nigeria. The Dagger was previously known as the Panhard Petit Vehicule Protégé (PVP).
The 4×4 Dagger weights 5.5 tonnes, allowing it to move at ease in urban and other scenarios where smaller vehicles are required. Powered by a 170 hp diesel engine coupled to an automatic transmission, it can reach a top road speed of 110 km/h, and road range of 800 km. It can carry two crew members and six dismounts in the transport version. The roof can accommodate a protected pintle mount weapon or a remotely controlled weapon station, usually armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun. Some 1 200 vehicles have been built for France, Chile, Romania and Togo, amongst others.
In another development for Nigeria’s defence industry, the DICON and D7G joint venture earlier this month revealed they would establish a military jetty near Tin Can Island Port, Lagos. The facility is expected to create over 7 000 jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s defence logistics architecture.
The Chief Executive Officer of DICON-D7G, Osman Chennar, described the project as a “strategic game changer” for indigenous defence production, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on defence self-reliance.
The jetty will support the manufacturing of small arms, ammunition, tactical drones, anti-jammer drones, and military vehicles, including 4×4 and 6×6 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.
The facility will enhance inbound logistics, reduce cargo turnaround time, and lower transportation costs, key factors in scaling up domestic arms production.
DICON-D7G has already commenced production of DG103 rifles in Kaduna for Nigerian and African markets.
A member of the Board of Directors, Major General Mainasara Abdul Masanawa (Rtd), noted that the initiative would reinforce Nigeria’s position as a regional defence manufacturing hub, deepen cooperation with allied African countries, and reduce reliance on foreign sources for defence equipment.
The project aligns with Nigeria’s broader objective of achieving defence industrial self-reliance, reducing foreign exchange expenditure on defence imports, building local technical expertise, stimulating technology transfer, and enhancing national security through sustainable, homegrown solutions. The project is scheduled for official launch in June 2026.
@DefenceWeb
