Nigerian Army partners with Innoson Motors for military hardware

A statement signed by Army spokesman, Brig. Gen Sani Usman, said Buratai, in his remarks, congratulated the company for giant strides it has recorded in the production of various brands of vehicles lately, the Guardian reports.

We think this is good news for the company whose chief executive, Dr Innocent Chukwuma, was in December arrested and released on bail by the officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Chief of Army Staff recalled that the Nigerian Army, being patriotic, and in a bid to encourage local entrepreneurs, asked Innoson Motors to supply three vehicles early last year, which were found to be durable and performing very well as they were employed in combat and proved to be useful, comfortable and convenient in military operations.

According to him, based on that the Nigerian Army acquired over 70 more variants of the Innoson vehicles, which were deployed in the North East for Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

He further stated that the Nigerian Army desires to deepen its cooperation by partnering with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited to conceptualize, design, modify and produce military hardware.

He says: “The specific areas of partnership between the Nigerian Army and the company include immediate supply 100 vehicles, the supply of appropriate gears, engines and chassis required for immediate modifications and repairs of armoured fighting vehicles in the North East Theatre of Operations.”

Responding, Chukwuma expressed happiness that the Nigerian Army has found his vehicles working perfectly and commended the Chief of Army Staff for his great sense of patriotism.

He promised to assist the Nigerian Army in its quest for better vehicles for its troops and resuscitation of its Special Vehicle Plant and Workshops.

Chukwuma, however thanked the Chief of Army Staff for the commendation and that his company would continue to improve and expand its capacity in vehicle manufacturing.

He added that he appreciated the Nigerian Army for the patronage, describing the critical role the Nigerian Army is playing in national development through the fight against insurgency in the North East and Nigeria in general. Highlight of the occasion was inspection and handing over of 3 of the newly manufactured vehicles by the company for trial by the Nigerian Army. These newly manufactured vehicles are; IVM G80 Bigger Jeep, IVM G40. Smaller Jeep and IVM Granite Pickup.

A version of this story appeared on Guardian Nigeria website.