Nigeria Launches Locally-Made Armoured Combat Vehicle, Pledges Continued Support for Domestic Defence Manufacturing

The Federal Government announced Thursday its commitment to maintaining partnerships between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and local manufacturers of military equipment as part of efforts to strengthen counter-terrorism and anti-banditry capabilities.

Defence Minister of State Dr. Bello Matawalle made the announcement during the unveiling of the Daikon X-Shield Light Tactical Armoured Vehicle, which will soon be deployed in military operations against security threats. The event also showcased several civilian armoured vehicles designed and manufactured domestically.

Speaking through DICON Director General Major General Babatunde Alaya, Matawalle highlighted X-Shield’s expertise in vehicle armour, ballistic engineering, and systems integration.

“The vehicles unveiled today are designed for modern operational realities—mobility, protection, adaptability, and survivability—while remaining cost-effective and suitable for local production,” he said.

The minister emphasized that DICON’s collaboration with X-Shield demonstrates how public institutions and private industry can work together to create operational, economic, and national value.

“This partnership strengthens Nigeria’s defence industrial base, creates skilled employment, transfers technical knowledge, conserves foreign exchange through local production, and creates opportunities for export and regional leadership in defence manufacturing,” Matawalle explained.

He praised X-Shield’s decision to build rather than import, and to innovate rather than imitate, adding that DICON remains committed to partnerships that align national interests with industrial growth.

“Nigeria’s future defence and security capability will be built at home, by Nigerian hands, through trusted partnerships like this one,” he affirmed.

X-Shield CEO Charles Ibanga described the collaboration as both strategic and commercially viable, demonstrating the potential of public-private partnerships in building competitive defence manufacturing ventures.

He cited National Bureau of Statistics data showing Nigeria spent over ₦4.06 trillion on imported armoured vehicles in the last quarter of 2023 alone—exceeding fuel imports by ₦2.25 trillion and representing 35.87% of total imports.

“These figures underscore the urgent need for local manufacturing and maintenance capabilities,” Ibanga said, adding that X-Shield aims to support government agencies, law enforcement, businesses, and individuals with advanced armoured vehicle solutions.