Nigeria’s indigenous defence company, Equipment Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL), is set to deliver an additional fleet of tactical armoured vehicles to the Nigerian Army. This follows closely on the heels of a previous supply of 20 units in May 2024, marking a steady increase in the provision of locally produced advanced military hardware.
EPAIL has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s defence technology innovation, as evidenced by their recent participation in the Africa Airforce Forum held in Abuja. The event, which ran from May 23 to 25, 2024, became a platform for EPAIL to demonstrate its commitment to bolstering the nation’s defence mechanisms.
A highlight of EPAIL’s exhibit was the Automatic Weapons Station (AWS), a versatile modular turret system designed to be mounted on tactical vehicles. AVM Abdulganiyu Olabisi (rtd), the Administrative Director of EPAIL, emphasized the AWS’s capability to allow operators to seamlessly transition between various weapon types to meet diverse mission requirements. The AWS’s 360-degree traverse capability, coupled with infrared and visual cameras, provides a formidable range of up to 2 kilometers, ensuring effective target acquisition and tracking. This system is controlled from within the vehicle through a joystick-equipped unit, offering enhanced situational awareness and operational efficiency.
Further strengthening the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness is the domestically manufactured light armoured vehicle, which is a reverse-engineered version of the Chinese Dong Feng CSK-131 Mengshi armoured vehicle. Featuring a remotely operated weapons system, this vehicle is a testament to Nigeria’s strides in self-reliance in defence technology. The commencement of serial production of this vehicle in April 2024 represents a pivotal step in reducing dependence on foreign military imports.
The Nigerian Army, currently engaged in combating security challenges such as the Boko Haram insurgency and farmer-herder conflicts, will find these armoured vehicles to be invaluable assets. The localized production of the Dongfeng CSK131 and other armoured vehicles signifies a strategic move towards enhancing Nigeria’s defence industry and its capabilities.
EPAIL’s journey towards indigenization began with an agreement in September 2021 to produce bulletproof vests and other military equipment locally. This was further solidified by a strategic partnership in 2018 with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), under the Ministry of Defence, to produce defence equipment.
The Dongfeng CSK131, originally a Chinese light-protected vehicle used by China’s armed forces, was introduced to Nigeria around 2020. Since then, EPAIL has taken significant steps to adapt and produce these vehicles within the country, showcasing a robust commitment to national defence and technological advancement.
As EPAIL continues to deliver on its promises, the Nigerian Army stands to benefit from increased operational readiness and a strengthened defence posture, ready to address the nation’s security challenges with greater confidence and self-sufficiency.