Indigenous vehicle firm to produce APC for Nigerian police

Nigeria’s indigenous vehicle manufacturer, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, is to partner with the Nigerian police for the provision of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) to assist it in crime fighting.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, confirmed at the inauguration of IVM Granite vehicle, 2019 edition, manufactured by the company in Nnewi in Anambra State.
Idris commended Innoson for providing camouflaged vehicles for the Nigerian Army to tackle insecurity.
Idris, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector-General in charge of Logistics and Supply, Mr. Agboola Oshodi-Glover, at the event, also called on other organisations to support the locally made vehicles.
“Innoson is making history. This type is rare. I congratulate you and want to assure you that the police will give you all the necessary support you need.
“But you need to commence production of Armoured Personnel Carriers to enable the police tackle insurgents and other security challenges in the country,” he added.
The report by the Nigeria Television Authority on Monday said that Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, praised the ingenuity of the company amidst apparent challenges in the industry.
“I am happy this is happening in our state. It’s only here that we’re manufacturing vehicles. Others travel to other countries and gather parts to assemble in Nigeria,” he said.
Obiano, however, expressed regret that the epileptic power supply in the state had hampered some production capacity of the company.
The governor urged the Federal Government, as a matter of urgency, to provide adequate power supply and enabling environment for maximum productivity.
He also appealed to state and Federal Governments to commence placing orders on the vehicles produced by the company.
“With what Innoson is doing, he is contributing immensely to the nation’s gross domestic product and should be encouraged to do more,” Obiano, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, said the company’s major strength depended on its ability to produce according to clients’ specifications.
“The fact that the Nigerian Police vehicle operate in diverse and dangerous terrains as a result of its functions, Innoson vehicles can produce specific operational vehicles that will meet the operational requirements of the Nigerian Police.
“This pick up is built for our roads and it’s in line with the latest generation of international brands of high end pick up,” he said.