The Nigerian Army has taken delivery of 15 locally manufactured All-Terrain Combat Vehicles, codenamed ”Vanquisher”, to boost operational efficiency and troop mobility in challenging terrains.

The APCs were from the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

Speaking at the handover ceremony in Kaduna, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.

-Gen. Waidi Shu’aibu, described the event as a historic moment in the advancement of the Armed Forces and a testament to Nigeria’s growing defence manufacturing capacity.

The COAS was represented by Chief of Policy and Plan, Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi.

Shu’aibu said the handover was tangible proof of expanding local capability in the production of critical military hardware.

”This aligns with our command’s philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of operating effectively within a joint and multi-agency environment,” he said.

The COAS stated that his leadership was anchored on four pillars: professional excellence, robust administration, operational readiness, and strategic cooperation with exemplary leadership.

According to him, the newly delivered vehicles will significantly enhance troop survivability, manoeuvrability and mission effectiveness across various theatres of operation.

He noted that earlier batches of the vehicles had undergone operational testing and proved reliable, leading to the directive for the production of additional units for immediate deployment.

Shu’aibu commended DICON, Vanquish Industries Limited and the Command Engineering Depot for their collaboration and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to patronising indigenous manufacturers.

Also speaking, the Director-General of DICON, Maj.-Gen. Babatunde Alaya, said the handover marked a major step towards defence self-reliance.

Alaya said that the 15 APCs handed over were part of 20 locally produced ballistic-protected platforms manufactured in collaboration with Vanquish Industries Limited and the Command Engineering Depot.

He said the vehicles were designed with Nigeria’s operational environment in mind and configured for multiple missions, including troop transportation, convoy escort, reconnaissance and internal security operations.

Alaya added that local production would reduce capital flight, generate revenue and create employment opportunities for Nigerian engineers and skilled workers.

The Managing Director of Vanquish Industries Limited, Zacharia Ndiriza, said the production of the vehicles demonstrated the capacity of African industries to design and manufacture world-class defence solutions.

He said the platform was built on three core principles of protection, agility and adaptability to meet evolving operational realities.

Ndiriza expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the leadership of the Armed Forces for supporting indigenous defence manufacturing.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to research, innovation and responsible production in line with military standardard.

The event featured a guided tour of DICON’s production facilities and the Nigerian Army 7th Vehicle Assembly Plant.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE to sustain aggressive operations against criminal elements threatening peace in Benue and its environs.

Shaibu gave the directive while addressing troops at the 401 Special Forces Brigade in Makurdi, where he commended their resilience and sacrifices in restoring security across affected communities.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col.

Appolonia Anele, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

The COAS said the troops’ sustained pressure on criminal networks had led to improved security and the gradual return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes.

He, however, urged the troops not to relent, charging them to remain dogged and relentless in dealing decisively with individuals or groups fomenting violence and criminality.

According to him, recent operational gains must be consolidated through intelligence-driven operations, enhanced inter-agency collaboration and sustained community engagement.

Shaibu emphasised that troops must maintain professionalism, discipline and strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement in line with international best practices.

He also cautioned personnel to remain neutral and impartial, particularly in situations involving communal tensions, noting that public trust and credibility remained critical force multipliers.

The COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s loyalty to the President and the Constitution, while reiterating his commitment to troops’ welfare under his Soldier-First philosophy.

He assured that the well-being of personnel and their families would continue to receive priority attention, alongside improvements in infrastructure and living conditions to sustain a motivated and combat-ready force.

The visit formed part of the COAS’ strategic assessment tour aimed at strengthening operational readiness in critical theatres.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Kano State Command has warned contractors against tampering with fibre-optic cables during excavation and construction works.

State Commandant, Mohammed Hassan-Agalama, issued the warning in a statement on Tuesday in Kano through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Idris-Abdullahi.

He expressed concern over rising cases of accidental and negligent destruction of underground fibre-optic cables across the state.

Hassan-Agalama said the incidents had disrupted telecommunications, internet services, banking operations and other essential services relied upon by residents and businesses.

He urged construction firms and property developers to obtain necessary approvals and right-of-way clearances before commencing excavation works.

The commandant advised contractors to liaise with utility providers to identify and map underground fibre routes before digging.

He said telecom operators’ technical representatives must be present during major excavation works to prevent costly damage.

 “Contractors must adopt best practices and deploy modern equipment to safeguard critical infrastructure,” he said.

Hassan-Agalama reiterated that fibre-optic cables and telecom installations are designated Critical National Assets and Infrastructure protected by law.

 “Any individual or corporate body found culpable of wilful destruction, negligence or sabotage will be arrested and prosecuted,” he warned.

He affirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding public assets in line with its statutory mandate.

According to him, the corps will intensify surveillance and enforcement operations at construction sites to ensure compliance.

He called on stakeholders and residents to report suspicious activities or unauthorised excavation near fibre routes to the nearest Civil Defence office.

Hassan-Agalama assured residents of the command’s dedication to protecting infrastructure vital to economic growth, public safety and national development.