Ezugwu MRAP

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The Ezugwu MRAP is a Nigerian-made mine resistance and ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle , designed by the Nigerian Defence Industry of Nigeria (DICON) and the Command Engineering Depot (CED). [1] [2] [3]

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Named after Major General Victor Ezugwu, the Ezugwu MRAP is designed to replace obsolete combat vehicles in the Nigerian Army's inventory.

Design and Features

The Ezugwu MRAP is specifically engineered to withstand improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and mine blasts up to 12 kg under the vehicle.

First unveiled in September 2019, earlier versions features a double enclosed turret that can traverse 360 degrees, allowing for versatile weapon deployment, including a 12.7 mm machine gun. [4] [5]

The Ezugwu MRAP has undergone several iterations to reflect a more modern and practical MRAP design. The new design was unveiled at a Science and Technology EXPO in 2020 organized by the Federal Ministry of science and technology in Abuja. [6]

Deployment

The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and the Command Engineering Depot (CED), has ordered a total of 80 Ezugwu MRAP vehicles to support ongoing counterterrorism operations.

The first batch of 28 Ezugwus [7] was ordered in November 2019, and a follow up purchase of 52 units was made by the Nigerian Army on January 2021. [8]

This initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign-made equipment and enhance the indigenous defense industrial complex.

The deployment of the Ezugwu MRAP marks a milestone in Nigeria's efforts to modernize its military forces and improve its operational effectiveness in the fight against insurgent groups.

With its robust design and advanced features, the Ezugwu MRAP is poised to play a crucial role in safeguarding the nation's security.

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References

  1. ↑ Lionel, Ekene (2019-09-25). "Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) unveils Ezugwu MRAP". Military Africa. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  2. ↑ admin (2019-11-13). "Nigerian Army, DICON Sign Agreement For Production Of Ezugwu MRAP Vehicles". The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  3. ↑ Nwafor (2019-10-25). "Breaking: Nigerian Army to launch Armoured vehicle named 'EZUGWU MRAP'". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  4. ↑ "Major General Victor Ezugwu: Building Nigeria's First Indigenous Mine Resistant, Ambush Protected Armoured Carrier – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  5. ↑ "Buhari tear rubber comot made-in-Nigeria armour vehicles for Kaduna". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  6. ↑ Africa, Military (2020-03-20). "DICON, CED develops new Ezugwu MRAP variant". Military Africa. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  7. ↑ Lionel, Ekene (2019-11-13). "Nigerian Army orders twenty-eight Ezugwu MRAP". Military Africa. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  8. ↑ Lionel, Ekene (2021-01-08). "Nigerian Army orders 52 additional Ezugwu MRAP". Military Africa. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
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