TheCable

Innoson Motors has entered into a partnership with the army to modify of some of its equipment, produce armoured fighting vehicles and other military hardware.

Sani Usman, army spokesman, said the partnership followed the satisfactory performance of three Innoson vehicles deployed in the north-eastern region.

To formalise the deal, Innocent Chukwuma, chairman of the company, on Tuesday led his team to the army headquarters in Abuja to meet with Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff.

Buratai said the army decided to partner with Innoson in order to encourage local entrepreneurs.

“The Nigerian army, being patriotic, and in a bid to encourage local entrepreneurs asked Innoson Motors to supply three vehicles early last year which were found to be durable,” he said.

“They were deployed in combat and proved to be useful, comfortable and convenient in military operations.

“Based on that the Nigerian Army acquired over 70 more variants of the Innoson vehicles which were deployed in the north-east for Operation LAFIYA DOLE.”

“The Nigerian Army desires to deepen its cooperation by partnering with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited to conceptualize, design, modify and produce military hardware.”

Responding, Chukwuma expressed happiness that the army had endorsed his vehicles.

He commended Buratai for his “great sense of patriotism”.

He promised to assist the army in its quest for better vehicles for its troops and resuscitation of its special vehicle plant and workshops.

The highlight of the occasion was the inspection and handing over of three of the newly manufactured vehicles by the company to the army for trial.

The vehicles are IVM G80 Bigger Jeep, IVM G40 Smaller Jeep and IVM Granite Pickup.

Chukwuma is currently having a battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

On Monday, he filed a N200m suit against the anti-graft agency for “defamation and falsehood”.