The Nigerian military is set to acquire at least 130 Ezugwus, a mine-protected, ambush resistant armored vehicle manufactured locally that was unveiled towards the end of September. Nigeria has been stocking up on military equipment in the past years as part of a larger plan to adequately equip her troops as they battle terrorist organizations active in the country.
The Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has unveiled a new locally developed armored personnel carrier, the Ezugwu. The armored vehicle was named after a military major who received recognition for his efforts in fighting the Islamist insurgency Boko Haram and ISWAP.
The Ezugwu has been described as mine-protected, ambush resistant armored vehicle and is armored against small arms fire and using flat-bottom armor technology. Additionally, the vehicle’s hull can withstand a 7 kg TNT explosion whilst each wheel can withstand a 12 kg TNT explosion.
The vehicle 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 turbodiesel engine.
