The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has described the production of locally manufactured Vanquisher Light Combat Vehicles as a major milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s defence capability.
Speaking on Wednesday at the inauguration of the vehicles in Kaduna, the COAS, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Army Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Bamidele Alabi,
said the initiative demonstrates growing confidence in Nigeria’s indigenous capacity to design and produce mission-ready military hardware tailored to national security needs.
He commended the Kaduna-based Vanquish Industries Limited for its “remarkable ingenuity and technical competence,” noting that the vehicles would significantly enhance mobility, protection, and operational efficiency for troops deployed across diverse terrains.
Shaibu also praised President Bola Tinubu for policies aimed at promoting local production and strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing, stating that the Federal Government’s commitment to local content in defence production is yielding tangible results.
“This platform is a clear testament to what can be achieved when policy direction aligns with industrial capacity,” he said.
In his remarks, Zach Duwa, Managing Director of Vanquish Industries Limited, described the unveiling of the vehicles as a defining moment for both the company and Nigeria’s broader industrial advancement.
Duwa explained that the Vanquisher Light Combat Vehicle was developed around three core principles of protection, mobility, and adaptability to address contemporary security challenges.
“Protection ensures the highest levels of safety and survivability for those who operate it.
“Mobility guarantees agility and dependable performance across diverse terrains, while adaptability provides a modular platform capable of fulfilling multiple mission roles,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the President, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and other Service Chiefs for their support.
Duwa also commended the COAS for his continued patronage and commitment to locally manufactured defence products.
He further acknowledged the role of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in creating an enabling environment that has strengthened joint ventures and expanded national industrial capacity.
“As these vehicles enter service, we remain committed to responsible production and the ethical stewardship of defence technology,” Duwa added.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustained investment in research, innovation, and advanced manufacturing, stressing that troop safety and mission success guided every stage of the vehicles’ development and production.
Army chief lauds local production of combat vehicles
