The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called for deeper collaboration between the Nigerian Army and indigenous defence manufacturers to strengthen national security and military modernisation.
Shaibu made the call while receiving the Group Managing Director of Proforce Group, Mr Ade Ogundeyin, during a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters, Abuja.
This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.
The army chief described indigenous defence production as a strategic pathway to enhancing Nigeria’s defence capability, national resilience and long-term military self-reliance.
He congratulated Proforce on its growth and international recognition since its establishment in 2008, describing the company as “an institution that elicits national pride”.
According to Shaibu, the company’s success reflects Nigeria’s growing defence industrial capacity and the potential of local manufacturers to support national security objectives.
He said increased patronage of indigenous defence firms would improve operational effectiveness, drive innovation, create skilled jobs and conserve foreign exchange.
“It will also strengthen the nation’s economy while ensuring the Armed Forces have reliable and responsive defence solutions,” he said.
Shaibu noted that the Nigerian Army’s expansion from eight to 12 divisions had increased demand for sustainable local production and cost-effective procurement.
According to him, local manufacturing remains critical to supporting force development and meeting evolving operational requirements.
The COAS urged Proforce to continue developing technologies tailored to Nigeria’s security environment and emerging threats.
He identified priority areas to include counter-improvised explosive device systems, ground-penetrating radar, foliage-penetrating surveillance technologies and other force protection capabilities.
Shaibu also advocated stronger technical collaboration in signal intelligence, facial recognition, unmanned systems and dark web exploitation.
He said such capabilities would enhance intelligence-led operations and improve efforts to disrupt criminal and terrorist networks across the country.
Earlier, Ogundeyin thanked the Nigerian Army for its confidence in indigenous defence solutions and its longstanding partnership with Proforce.
He said the company had grown into a multi-domain defence technology enterprise with capabilities spanning armoured vehicles, unmanned aerial systems and tactical equipment.
Ogundeyin added that Proforce had also expanded into weapons manufacturing, intelligence solutions and maintenance, repair and overhaul services.
“Indigenous manufacturing enhances operational security, shortens logistics timelines and provides responsive technical support tailored to operational requirements,” he said.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces of Nigeria through innovative local solutions designed to address contemporary security challenges.