RismadarVoice Reporters
August 4, 2026
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger collaboration between the Nigerian Army and indigenous defence manufacturers to enhance national security, strengthen military capabilities and promote Nigeria’s defence industrial base.
The COAS made the call on Tuesday at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, while receiving the Group Managing Director of Proforce Group, Mr. Ade Ogundeyin, and his delegation during a courtesy visit.
Lieutenant General Shaibu described Proforce Group as a source of national pride, commending the company’s remarkable growth since its establishment in 2008 and its emergence as a globally recognised indigenous defence manufacturer.
He said increased patronage of locally produced defence equipment would not only improve the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces but also stimulate technological innovation, create skilled employment opportunities, conserve foreign exchange and strengthen the nation’s economic resilience.
The Army Chief noted that the recent expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions has increased the need for sustainable local production and cost-effective procurement of military equipment to support force development and long-term operational readiness.
He urged Proforce to intensify efforts in developing indigenous technologies tailored to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, particularly in Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (Counter-IED) systems, ground-penetrating radar, foliage-penetrating surveillance technologies and other force protection solutions.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also directed closer technical collaboration between the Nigerian Army and Proforce in critical areas including signal intelligence, facial recognition technology, unmanned systems and dark web exploitation to strengthen intelligence-led operations, disrupt criminal and terrorist networks and enhance troop protection across operational theatres.
Earlier, the Group Managing Director of Proforce Group, Mr. Ade Ogundeyin, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for its continued confidence in indigenous defence solutions.
He said Proforce has evolved into a multi-domain defence technology company with capabilities in the production of armoured vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, tactical equipment, weapons manufacturing, intelligence solutions and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services.
Ogundeyin reaffirmed the company’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s sovereign defence capabilities through local manufacturing, noting that indigenous production enhances operational security, shortens logistics timelines and provides faster technical support tailored to the needs of the Armed Forces.
He pledged Proforce’s continued partnership with the Nigerian Army in developing innovative defence technologies to strengthen national security and improve operational efficiency.
