Nigeria’s growing push for indigenous defence manufacturing came into sharper focus on Wednesday as the Nigerian Army received 15 locally produced Vanquisher Light Combat Vehicles from Kaduna-based defence manufacturer Vanquish Industries Limited.
The vehicles were officially commissioned in Kaduna during a ceremony attended by Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Director-General of DICON Major General BI Alaya, representatives of government, the defence forces and industry stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Vanquish Industries Limited, Mr Zach Duwa, described the unveiling as a milestone in Nigeria’s quest to strengthen domestic defence production and reduce reliance on foreign military hardware.
According to Duwa, the development demonstrates that African industries have the capacity to design and manufacture world-class defence solutions tailored to modern security challenges.
He explained that the Vanquisher platform was developed around three core operational principles — protection, mobility and adaptability.
Duwa said the vehicle was designed to ensure high levels of safety and survivability for personnel, maintain agility across difficult terrains, and offer a modular platform capable of performing multiple mission roles.
He noted that the company’s goal from inception has been to produce reliable, mission-ready and technologically advanced systems capable of supporting security operations across Nigeria’s theatres.
The Managing Director also acknowledged the role of government and military leadership in supporting indigenous defence manufacturing.
He expressed appreciation to President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for what he described as a strong commitment to strengthening local defence production.
Duwa also thanked the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs for their strategic support to the industry.
He particularly commended the Chief of Army Staff for what he called consistent patronage of locally manufactured defence equipment.
The company also recognised the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) for providing what it described as an enabling environment for its joint venture partnership with the private sector.
At the formal handover of 15 locally produced Vanquisher Light Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s relentless commitment to advancing indigenous defence technology as a strategic pathway to enhancing operational effectiveness and countering insurgency.
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 emphasized 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.
Also speaking at the event, 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, GCFR, 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.
Industry observers note that the delivery of the 15 vehicles forms part of a broader effort by the Nigerian military to deepen local manufacturing capacity and reduce dependence on imported combat platforms.
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.
Duwa said beyond technology, the project represents opportunities for industrial growth, job creation, and technological innovation within Nigeria’s defence sector.
He added that the company remains committed to research, advanced manufacturing and responsible production to support lawful security operations and protect communities.
“As these vehicles enter service, their purpose is clear — to enhance security, support lawful operations and protect those who defend the nation,” he said.
The deployment of the Vanquisher vehicles is expected to further strengthen the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Army in ongoing security operations across the country.
