Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON)[2] is the state-run defence corporation of Nigeria and operated by the Nigerian Armed Forces. It is responsible for the production of defence equipment and civilian products.
| Company type | State-owned enterprise |
|---|---|
| Industry | Defence |
| Founded | 1964[1] |
| Headquarters | Kaduna, , |
Area served | Nigeria |
| Products | Munitions, Small arms, Artillery, Explosives, Armored vehicles MRAPs |
| Services | Manufacturing |
| Owner | Nigerian Armed Forces |
| Website | dicon.gov.ng |
History
editDICON was established in 1964 through an act of parliament in the Nigerian National Assembly.[3]
From 2018 to March 2021, Major General Victor Okwudili Ezugwu was appointed as DICON's director-general.[4]
Major General MO Uzoh was appointed DG in March 2021.
Products
editIt makes licensed copies of the Mills M36M (M36) handgrenade, Browning P-35 (NP-1) pistol, Beretta M12 (PMG-12) submachine gun, Beretta BM59 and FN FAL (NR1 Model 7.62) battle rifles, FN MAG (GPMG) machinegun, and RPG-7 (RPG) rocket launcher. The OBJ-006, a copy of the 7.62mm AK-47 assault rifle, is produced by DICON in 2006.[5]
DICON has recently procured rights to manufacture a copy of the Polish FB 5.56mm Kbs wz.96 Beryl assault rifle, possibly to replace the FAL and/or AK-47 in service.[6]
From 2012 to 2019, DICON and Marom Dolphin signed an agreement to establish a joint venture to produce ballistic vests.[7] In 2013, DICON officials denied allegations that Nigerian-made ballistic vests from DICON factories are made under substandard conditions.[8] After the contract expiration with Marom Dolphin, DICON Special Equipment was birthed, which is a collaboration between DICON and Imperium Industries Nig. Ltd.
The DICON Special Equipment specializes in the production of bulletproof vests, Helmets, Coveralls, Uniforms and other related items.
On October 3, 2019, DICON unveiled its first armored vehicle, known as the Ezugwu MRAP.[9] The MRAP was made in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Command Engineering Depot.[9] It was named after Major General Victor Ezugwu, who was known for his efforts in fighting against Boko Haram,[10] who is the director-general of DICON at the end of 2018.[11][12] This was publicly shown in a ceremony by Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai at the Abuja International Trade Fair Complex during a Nigerian Army Day event.[9]
During the coronavirus outbreak in 2020, DICON produced ventilators, face shields, face masks and hand sanitizer.[13]
References
edit- ^ Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria. "Our history - Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria - DICON". Retrieved 15 December 2018.
- ^ Felix Onuah (2015-08-07). "Nigeria's President Buhari announces weapons production plan". Reuters. Retrieved 2020-12-29.
- ^ "Nigeria - Defence Industries Corporation (DICON)". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 2020-12-29.
- ^ "Victor Ezugwu, odogwu rụrụ ụgbọagha bụ Igbo bịa lelee". 5 December 2019.
- ^ "Nigeria will manufacture Polish-originated AK assault rifle derivatives | March 2018 Global Defense Security army news industry | Defense Security global news industry army 2018 | Archive News year". www.armyrecognition.com. 30 March 2018. Retrieved 2020-12-29.
- ^ The National Interest The Buzz Why This AK47 on Steroids Could Be the Most Powerful Gun on the Planet by Robert Beckhusen (March 29, 2018)
- ^ "Joint venture signed to set up ballistic vest factory in Nigeria". defenceWeb. 2012-02-14. Retrieved 2020-12-29.
- ^ "DICON denies production of sub-standard bullet proof". Vanguard News. 2013-06-06. Retrieved 2020-12-29.
- ^ a b c "Nigeria unveils new APC". 3 October 2019.
- ^ "Nigeria unveils Ezugwu new 4×4 Armored Personnel Carrier | October 2019 Global Defense Security army news industry | Defense Security global news industry army 2019 | Archive News year".
- ^ "Nigerian Armed Forces Purchased 28 Local Ezugwu Armoured Vehicles". 18 November 2019.
- ^ "Nigerian Army orders 52 additional Ezugwu MRAP vehicles | Defense News January 2021 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2021 | Archive News year". 8 January 2021.
- ^ "COVID-19: Nigeria's defence ministry produces ventilator". TheCable. 2020-04-20. Retrieved 2020-12-29.