Army unveils armoured tankers in Maiduguri

Top military officials gathered in Maiduguri, Borno State, for the First Bi-Annual Conference of the Nigerian Army in 2025, amid growing security concerns in the region.

The three-day strategic meeting, held at Maimalari Cantonment, comes as Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents intensify attacks in parts of the North East, especially Borno.

In response to these escalating threats, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, renewed his call for stronger military intervention.

A major highlight of the conference was the official launch of the new “Vanquish Armoured Tankers” by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.

The cutting-edge vehicles were handed over to the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar.

According to Engineer Ishaku Duwa, who represented the manufacturing firm, the Vanquish tankers are equipped with advanced features including night vision capabilities, the ability to travel over 80 kilometers on flat tyres, all-terrain suspension, and full 360-degree protection.

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Opening the conference, Lt. Gen. Oluyede stressed the importance of strategic foresight and community collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

He described the forum as a platform for assessing the Army’s performance, refining operational approaches, and enhancing both kinetic and non-kinetic tactics.

“We must not let temporary setbacks break our resolve,” Oluyede stated, urging troops to remain dedicated in the fight against insurgency, banditry, and other forms of criminality.

He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to adapting strategies to the evolving threat landscape and aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Despite acknowledging recent attacks across the North East and other regions, the Army Chief assured Nigerians that the military remains resolute in restoring peace and stability across the country.