Nigeria’s defense ministry has handed over 20 newly acquired armored personnel carriers (APC) to the country’s armed forces.
The military vehicles will be used to combat growing threats from bandits and terrorists.
Though the type of the new APCs was not disclosed, defense spokesman Brigadier General Tukur Gusau said the assets have improved weapons and communication systems that enable seamless operations.
They can also reportedly locate adversaries from a distance and engage them effectively.
The APCs were produced indigenously by an undisclosed defense firm in Nigeria.
‘Evolving Security Challenges’
Nigeria has been plagued by unprecedented security challenges, such as terrorist attacks, militancy, and banditry.
In August 2023, 13 people died after members of the Boko Haram terrorist group carried out two separate attacks in northeast Nigeria.
Since the early 2000s, the group has been blamed for the loss of tens of thousands of lives in mass acts of violence.
“The acquisition of these APCs underscores our commitment to equipping our troops with the necessary resources to confront evolving security challenges,” Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa said during the handover ceremony.
“I commend the Ministry of Defence for its unwavering support and dedication to strengthening our national defense capabilities.”