Nigeria to Manufacture Armoured Vehicles Locally Under New Defence Deal

​ABUJA — In a major push toward military self-reliance, Nigeria is advancing strategic plans to establish domestic production lines for advanced armoured vehicles, anti-drone systems, and specialized tactical hardware.

​Driven by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) through its partnership with Eagles International for Defence Systems (DICON–D7G), the initiative aims to slash the nation’s heavy reliance on foreign military imports and fast-track technology transfer.

​The breakthrough follows a high-level two-day inspection tour of military manufacturing plants in Cairo, Egypt, led by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle. Speaking on the development, DICON-D7G Chief Executive Officer Mr. Osman Chennar revealed that the collaboration is poised to generate over 200 direct jobs for skilled workers while opening specialized employment pathways for approximately 100 retired military personnel.

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​Expanding Indigenous Arsenal

​The newly secured production lines will focus on manufacturing a wide range of combat-proven and support platforms locally. Targeted systems include:

• ​Armoured Personnel & Multi-Purpose Vehicles: BR6 multi-mission platforms, APC cabins, and MRAP-Buffalo variants (U.10, M.12, and F-4).

• ​Specialised Tactical Units: Rhino Guard GXR anti-drone and RPG-protected vehicles, APC Moon PT6, and GXR Phantom light vehicles.

• ​Support and Heavy Hardware: BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicles, 120mm manual mortar launcher cabins, alongside medical evacuation and ambulance configurations.

​Strategic Logistics Hub in Lagos

​Complementing the manufacturing push, DICON-D7G is finalizing the launch of a dedicated military jetty in Lagos, slated to open within the next two to three months. Designed to serve as a critical logistics corridor, the facility will streamline the import of raw components and the distribution of finished military hardware across Nigeria and broader African export markets. The jetty project alone is projected to create employment for over 1,000 civilians alongside roles for retired veterans.

​By retaining defense expenditure within the domestic economy and building specialized technical skills, the emerging industrial ecosystem positions Nigeria to sustainably supply its armed forces for prolonged security operations.