Nigerian Army Commissions New Locally Produced Vehicles

The Nigerian Army formally commissioned into service a range of new indigenously designed and manufactured vehicles during its annual celebration day at the Ikeja Military Cantonment in Lagos state on 6 July.

Several types produced by the Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Company (NAVMC) were unveiled, including a new version of the Infantry Patrol Vehicle (IPV) featuring a larger frame, bigger wheels, and more space for personnel while still carrying a heavy machine gun in an overhead weapon station.

A Tactical Patrol Vehicle was also presented, which appears to be a high-mobility platform. It features room for up to eight personnel and can be armed with a heavy machine gun in an overhead weapon station.

An armoured personnel carrier designated as the Light Tactical Vehicle, which was first presented in an incomplete form during a firepower demonstration in April, was also exhibited. The vehicle appeared to be far less crude than its previous iteration, featuring a two-piece windscreen and an enclosed protected weapon station.

The latest version of the Proforce Ara mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle, known as the Ara 2 was also unveiled during the event.

While an initial batch of five Ara 2s was delivered to the Nigerian Army in March, no images were released at the time as the Army did not want to advertise the vehicle and its capabilities, a Nigerian industry source told Jane’s .

The Ara 2 is very different from earlier designs and features a fully monocoque hull, all-round STANAG Level 3 armouring with STANAG Level 4a on the floor for increased protection against mines and improvised explosive devices.

As part of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, a second batch of five Ara 2 MRAPs was handed over to the Nigerian Army, bringing the total number of this variant in service to 13 as three had been handed over a few weeks earlier, the same industry source added.