Nigeria unveils Ezugwu new 4×4 Armored Personnel Carrier.

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria unveiled a new locally developed 4×4 Armored Personnel Carrier, the Ezugwu. Shmuel Yosef Agnon reports on Strategic Intelligence.

Unveiling of Ezugwu, Nigeria's new indigenous APC (Picture source: Strategic Intelligence Service)

The APC is named after Major General Victor Ezugwu, who earned recognition for his efforts in combating Boko Haram terrorists. End 2018, Major General Victor Ezugwu was appointed as the Managing Director of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.

The APC has been described by the company as an MRAP (mine-protected, ambush resistant armored vehicle). The armored vehicle is manufactured in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Command Engineering Depot (CED). It is armored against small arms fire and uses flat-bottom armor technology. Its body can withstand a 7 kg TNT explosion whereas each wheel can withstand a 12 kg TNT explosion. The vehicle also has two weapons turrets which can traverse 360 degrees and a telescopic long-range camera for improved situational awareness. The 4×4 Ezugwu is fitted with an independent suspension system and is powered by a Chinese WD615 turbo diesel engine.

The Nigerian military has been increasing its share of locally produced weapons, with Proforce delivering its domestically manufactured Ara APCs to the Nigeria Army.  The recently established Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Company (NAVMC) manufactures Infantry Patrol Vehicles (IPVs) which are fitted with a mounted heavy machine-gun, Tactical Patrol Vehicles with capacity for eight personnel, and a Light Tactical Vehicle Armored Personnel Carrier.