Nigeria puts Chinese-made AFVs into combat
Tanks, armoured personnel carriers and self-propelled artillery sees action in Nigerian counterinsurgency operation.
After a period of crew training and familiarisation lasting several months, the Nigerian Army has deployed newly acquired Chinese-built armoured vehicles and self-propelled artillery in a COIN operation dubbed Operation Tura Takaibango in the northeastern state of Yobe.
Shephard reported in April 2020 about the delivery of the first batch of 17 armoured vehicles from China. These included examples of the VT4 MBT, the ST1 8x8 wheeled tank destroyer as well as SH5 105mm and SH2 122mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers from Norinco.
At the time, Nigerian Army officials indicated that more deliveries were expected from China, explaining that these
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces]()
Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces
Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.
-
![AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs]()
AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs
Rather than developing entirely new weapons, defence companies are looking to build on existing weapons and systems to deliver greater capability, control costs and accelerate fielding.
-
![AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality]()
AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality
With a production rate of more than 10 million vehicles annually, the US commercial car and vehicle manufacturing base is second only to China. Defence companies are looking at how the vehicles, technology and manufacturing capability can support programmes.
