The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has made notable advancements in producing defense equipment and civilian products since its establishment in 1964. As the primary manufacturer of arms and ammunition for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, DICON has expanded its capabilities to include producing rifles, such as the Nigerian version of the AK-47.
The corporation’s product line encompasses a range of military and civilian items, including rifles, pistols, submachine guns, machine guns, and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, as well as windmills, water supply equipment, industrial spare parts, furniture, and ceremonial swords.DICON’s military products include the OBJ-006, a copy of the 7.62mm AK-47 assault rifle, and the NR1 Model 7.62mm, a variant of the FN FAL battle rifle.
The corporation has also developed the NP-1 pistol, a replica of the Browning P-35, and the PMG-12 submachine gun, based on the Beretta M12 design. Furthermore, DICON produces the GPMG machine gun, a version of the FN MAG, and the RPG-7 rocket-propelled grenade launcher. In addition to its military products, DICON has ventured into producing armored vehicles, such as the Ezugwu MRAP, named after Major General Victor Ezugwu.
In recent years, DICON has resumed production of arms and ammunition after a period of suspension. The corporation’s director-general, Major General Aniedi Edet, announced the resumption of production in February 2024, highlighting DICON’s efforts to meet the defense needs of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.
With the signing of the DICON Bill into law by President Bola Tinipubu in November 2023, the corporation is poised to build a military-industrial complex, enabling it to incorporate other defense-related industries in Nigeria and further enhance its production capabilities. This development has the potential to meet the country’s defense needs and possibly even be exported.
