The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai has commissioned eight
mines resistance ambush protected vehicles (MRAPs) to end Boko Haram
terrorism that claimed many lives and property.
Inaugurating the fighting vehicles Wednesday at Theatre Command
Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, he said: “This novel effort was to
look inwards to evolve home-grown technologies in military equipment
production,” noting that the efforts have yielded fruits for the
theatre command to sustain it end war.
According to him; “Today marks a new vista in homegrown technological
innovations for Operation Lafiya Dole, the army and nation.”
Buratai, who was represented by Theatre Commander, Maj-Gen. Olusegun
Adeniyi said the inauguration of MRAPV was a drive towards restoring
normalcy to the Northeast.
“There is the need also to preserve valuable national resources,” he
said, adding that the Theatre Command has been on a research and
development effort since August, 2029.
He disclosed that the theatre command has produced the MARPs in three
variants, comprising the Champion, the invisible and Conqueror MRAP
variants.
Speaking on how vehicles were produced, he said: “The theatre has also
undertaken the conversion of gun trucks and tractors to armoured Gun
Trucks All Terrain.
He said the ‘Fire Eaters’ with armoured plating were made to provide
local protection for troops, while in harbour and in defensive
positions.
According to him, the materials for these platforms were sourced
locally with exception of fitted bullet-resistance glasses from
Kaduna.
He said Operation Lafiya Dole provides prospects for Nigeria’s
post-war military technological advancement; if these efforts could be
harnessed and improved upon to end Boko Haram insurgency.
