The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday commended the production of locally made Vanquisher Light Combat Vehicles, describing it as a major step in strengthening Nigeria’s defence capability.
Shaibu, represented at the commissioning ceremony in Kaduna by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Army Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Bamidele Alabi, said the initiative reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s indigenous capacity to design and produce mission-ready military hardware tailored to national security needs.
He praised Kaduna-based Vanquish Industries Limited for what he called “remarkable ingenuity and technical competence,” adding that the vehicles would enhance mobility, protection and operational efficiency for troops deployed across diverse terrains.
The Army Chief also commended President Bola Tinubu for policies aimed at promoting local production and strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing.
He said, “The Federal Government’s commitment to promoting 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.”
The Managing Director of Vanquish Industries Limited, Mr. Zach Duwa, described the unveiling as a defining moment for both the company and Nigeria’s industrial advancement.
Duwa said, “This moment 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.”
Duwa explained that the Vanquisher Light Combat Vehicle was developed around three principles — protection, mobility and adaptability — to address modern 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 thanked the President, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and other Service Chiefs for their support, and commended the Chief of Army Staff for his “continuous patronage and unwavering commitment to supporting and patronising locally manufactured products.”
Duwa also acknowledged the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria for creating an enabling environment that strengthened joint ventures and expanded national industrial capacity.
He added, “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.”
He added that Vanquish Industries would continue to invest in research, innovation and advanced manufacturing, assuring that the safety and mission success of troops guided every stage of the vehicle’s development.