NA commissions 15 locally built vanquisher combat vehicles in Kaduna

From Sola Ojo, Abuja

The Nigerian Army yesterday commissioned 15 units of the Vanquisher Light Combat Vehicles, locally manufactured by Kaduna-based Vanquish Industries Limited.

This development signaled a major milestone in the country’s drive for indigenous defence production leveraging local contents.

Speaking at the ceremony , March 4 2026, Managing Director of Vanquish Industries Limited, Mr Zack Duwa, described the commissioning as a landmark achievement for Nigerian and African defence manufacturing.

“From the very beginning, our mission has been clear: to deliver reliable, mission-ready, and technologically advanced systems suited to modern security challenges.

“The Vanquisher is the embodiment of that commitment,” Duwa said.

He highlighted the three core principles of the Vanquisher vehicles: protection, mobility, and adaptability.

“Protection – ensuring the highest levels of safety and survivability for those who operate it.

“Mobility – delivering agility and dependable performance across diverse terrains.

“Adaptability – providing a modular platform capable of fulfilling multiple mission roles,” Duwa explained.

The MD expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for policies that encourage local manufacturing and to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, for supporting indigenous defence solutions.

“This achievement reflects vision, discipline, and the firm belief that African industry can compete globally.

“Today, we commission not just vehicles, but capability, confidence, and a stronger future for indigenous defence production,” he said.

Director General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Maj Gen BI Alaya, remarked that the partnership between DICON and Vanquish Industries was a testament to Nigeria’s growing indigenous defence capacity.

“The commissioning of these vehicles is a strong statement of the Army Headquarters’ commitment to strengthening local defence capabilities and enhancing operational effectiveness,” Alaya said.

“Vanquish Industries Limited will continue to strengthen its role as a trusted defence partner, supporting the Nigerian Army with world-class, homegrown solutions,” he said.

The Kaduna-built Vanquisher LCVs are designed to operate across diverse terrains, offering modular functionality for multiple mission roles while adhering to climate-friendly and efficient design standards.

The vehicles are expected to support Nigerian Army operations, enhance local defence technology, and create jobs for engineers, technicians, and skilled personnel.