Katsina engineer builds indigenous armoured personnel carrier

As insecurity continues to ravage communities across Katsina State, a local engineering company has stepped into the defence sector with an innovation that could reshape Nigeria’s security architecture.

Techno-Em Global Solutions Limited, led by Ibrahim Lawal Dankaba, has unveiled a prototype Track Armoured Personnel Carrier (TAPC) built entirely in Katsina.

The initiative, which began earlier this month, involved the design and fabrication of steel plates to form bullet-resistant armour, welded onto a purpose-built chassis.

The TAPC comes equipped with advanced features such as a robotic turret, Dynamic Positioning System (DPS), cargo belt, and a seven-seat cabin. It is designed to protect troops from small arms fire, artillery shrapnel, landmines, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

One of its unique advantages is mobility. With 600mm ground clearance and track-based movement, the vehicle can operate on rugged and high-risk terrains where conventional wheeled vehicles may fail.

The hybrid engine also supports Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and diesel, ensuring flexibility during operations.

Dankaba explained that the TAPC’s turret allows soldiers to fire weapons remotely, gather intelligence, and monitor enemy movements without leaving the cabin.

He added that the vehicle can also transport supplies and medical teams to difficult-to-reach areas, making it vital for both combat and logistics.

“We decided to construct the TAPC because we want it to access all terrains in the Sahel region and help secure our state and the country at large.

“It’s cheaper than foreign APCs and, with government support, we can create jobs for our youths while strengthening local engineering capacity,” Dankaba said.

The locally made carrier has already undergone shooting-range tests to verify its ballistic resistance.

The company is now seeking clearance and certification from the Office of the National Security Adviser before mass production.

Beyond the prototype, Dankaba envisions future projects including drones and other defence gadgets.

He dedicated the vehicle to families who have lost loved ones to banditry and insurgency, stressing that homegrown technology is key to ending insecurity.

Observers note that supporting this initiative would not only enhance security but also boost job creation, technological sovereignty, and economic diversification.

By investing in local solutions, the government could reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, strengthen supply chains, and potentially open opportunities for export.

Techno-Em’s TAPC stands as Katsina’s first major step toward indigenous armoured vehicle production.

If supported and scaled, it could become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and organised crime.