The Nigerian Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on May 9 the induction of 20 locally produced light armoured vehicles in a ceremony at Mogadishu Barracks in Abuja. Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Gwabin Musa attended the event, which marked a significant milestone for Nigeria’s defense sector. While the Ministry of Defence did not specify the name or manufacturer of the light armoured vehicles, it highlighted that these vehicles feature enhanced weaponry and communications systems. Photographs released by the Ministry of Defence reveal light armored vehicles resembling the Mengshi, manufactured by Chinese company Dongfeng, but bearing the badge of the Nigerian company Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL).
The Nigerian Army has been operating Mengshi vehicles since at least November 2021, when a shipment was seen at Lagos’ port. This recent handover represents the first batch of Mengshi vehicles produced domestically by EPAIL, underlining Nigeria’s strides towards defense self-sufficiency. EPAIL emphasized its commitment to supporting these vehicles with operator training, maintenance, and spare parts, and expressed ambitions to export the LTAVs to other countries. EPAIL showcased a Mengshi vehicle with its badge for the first time at an event in Abalti Barracks, Lagos, in August 2023. The vehicle, identified as the EP2063NG01, is based on Dongfeng’s EQ2063 (Dongfeng CSK-131 Mengshi) version of the Mengshi, illustrating EPAIL’s evolving capabilities in armored vehicle production.
Dongfeng Mengshi was originally a family of 4×4 MRAP/off-road vehicles developed by Dongfeng Motor Group. Early generations of the vehicle are built with imported Hummer H1 chassis, while later generations of the vehicles are of indigenous design. Dongfeng Mengshi generally follows the trend of American military requirements. Dongfeng CSK131 is Chinese light protected vehicle developed by Dongfeng Corporation. The chassis has been completely redesigned from EQ2060 with new engine and electronics including onboard computers with digital map software and Beidou satellite communication and positioning system, one night-vision camera for driver and one for the rear door. It is one of the two principal light armored vehicle currently fielded by PLA. All CSK-131 are equipped with a manually controlled turret.
Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL) is a member of the MOMAS Group of Companies. EPAIL was established out of the desire to deepen technology research and development locally, on sufficient security solutions to protect lives and properties. The company has acquired the first manufacturing facility in Nigeria for bulletproof vests, Ballistic helmets, and other defence-related equipment.EPAIL collaboration with DICON further strengthens her commitment to service major security needs in the defence industry. As an indigenous company EPAIL host a Research and development team dedicated to continuous innovation of security solutions. Through outstanding knowledge of security solutions EPAIL has carried out a risk assessment and proffer topnotch solutions on critical infrastructure in all the 36 states of Nigeria.
