The Nigerian Army is identifying local technology development as a strategic requirement for sustaining force expansion, improving operational resilience and strengthening national security.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, outlined this while receiving the Group Managing Director of Proforce Group, Mr. Ade Ogundeyin, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
A statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, disclosed that the Army Chief noted that deeper collaboration with indigenous defence manufacturers would reduce dependence on imported military equipment while strengthening Nigeria’s defence industrial base.
READ ALSO: COAS Reaffirms Partnership With Private Sector For Logistics
The COAS described Proforce as a national success story whose growth reflects Nigeria’s expanding capacity in defence manufacturing.
He observed that the Army’s recent expansion from eight to twelve divisions has increased demand for sustainable, locally produced military platforms capable of supporting long-term force development at lower cost while conserving foreign exchange and creating skilled employment.
Lieutenant General Shaibu identified advanced technologies such as Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (Counter-IED) systems, ground-penetrating radar, foliage-penetrating surveillance, signal intelligence, facial recognition, unmanned systems and dark web exploitation as priority capability areas requiring stronger collaboration between the Nigerian Army and indigenous manufacturers to enhance intelligence-led operations and troop protection.
The Proforce Group Managing Director, Mr. Ade Ogundeyin, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding sovereign defence technologies, highlighting its capabilities across armoured vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, weapons manufacturing, tactical equipment, intelligence solutions and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul services.
He maintained that indigenous production delivers faster logistics support, greater operational security and technology solutions tailored to the operational realities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
