The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has said that logistics, equipment modernisation, and local capacity have contributed to the successes of the operation of the Nigerian Army.
Shaibu said this when he spoke against the backdrop of his nine months in office and his achievements since becoming the COAS.
He told select media executives that logistics remains a critical enabler of operational success, adding: “And we have made substantial progress in this area.
“With the support of the Federal Government, the Nigerian Army has inducted modern platforms, including helicopters, MRAP vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, and unmanned aerial systems.
“These assets have significantly enhanced our mobility, protection, surveillance, and strike capabilities.
“Furthermore, investments in communication systems and counter-drone technologies have improved command and control across theatres.
“This modernisation drive has made our operations more efficient, responsive and effective.”
On the production of equipment locally, Shaibu, who spoke with the media executives in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, said this “is a key pillar of our transformation agenda.
“We are increasingly leveraging indigenous defence industries such as DICON (Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria) for the production and refurbishment of critical equipment.
“This includes locally produced armoured vehicles called the Vanquisher Armoured Tanks and the restoration of previously unserviceable platforms.
“Additionally, our engineers have successfully reverse-engineered some equipment, enhancing operational sustainability.
“This approach not only reduces dependency on foreign procurement, but also strengthens national capacity and supports economic development.”
