The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria–D7G (DICON–D7G), has successfully assembled about 1,000 units of the upgraded “DG-103” rifle in two months of start of operations in Kaduna.
The DG-103 is a locally licensed version of the reliable Russian Kalashnikov AK-103 assault rifle, chambered for the 7.62x39mm M43 cartridge.
The Chief Executive Officer of DICON-D7G, Mr Osman Chennar, disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the company’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Director, Land Systems, Innovation, Research and Development at DICON-D7G, retired Maj.-Gen. Mainasara Masanawa, briefed newsmen on behalf of the CEO.
Chennar said it was a major breakthrough in the renewed push for local arms production in Nigeria.
He said all rifles in the first batch had passed rigorous testing and certification, meeting operational standards of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Chennar added that the company was simultaneously producing drones and anti-drone systems equipped with early-warning capabilities to support frontline troops.
“With full operations now underway, our target is to produce 60 million rounds of ammunition annually, reaffirming the company’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence ecosystem,” he said.
Chennar revealed that the organisation would by February 2026 acquire a military jetty in Lagos, adding that the facility would host a production line, warehouses and accommodation for personnel.
He said the acquisition would significantly scale up local capacity and open new windows for exporting defence equipment to neighbouring African countries.
According to him, the milestones represent only the beginning of broader efforts to deepen self-reliance and enhance national security readiness.
“Plans are also in motion to establish a shipyard at the jetty for the servicing and maintenance of naval vessels.
“DICON–D7G is a central player in the defence industrialisation component of the Renewed Hope agenda,” he said.
Tinubu Determined To End Nigeria’s Challenges – Idris
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said President Bola Tinubu is determined more than ever before to end the current challenges facing the country.
Idris stated this on Saturdy night in Abuja at a reception and fund raising dinner, organised in honour of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi in Abuja.
Adeniyi was recently elected as Chairman of the World Customs Organisation.
The event which is organised by tthe Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) included fund raising for the building of the Institute’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
Idris described Adenyi as a hardworking and diligent individual who is going places and showcasing what Nigeria is all about.
The Minister explained that Nigeria is passing through one of its toughest times.
“For me, what we are seeing is an opportunity to showcase who we really are. I think this is the time for Nigerians to come together, think and prove to the world that this is Nigeria.
“We can do this a lot better, no matter the challenges we have come through.This is not a time to dispair or report Nigeria to organisations outside. This is the time for us to look for solutions to our problems.
“Yes, we have challenges and acknowledge that we do, but let us come together and fight it.
“I want to assure you that President Tinubu is determine more than ever before to bring to an end to these challenges we have,”Idris said.
He further explained that Tinubu has given a directive to the security agencies to ensure that the kidnapped school children are rescued and reunited with their families.
Idris added that prices of food stuffs are coming down and other positive things are being recorded in the economy prosperity of the country.
He said that the Nigeria’s delegation to the U.S. is properly educating them on the true realities on ground.
Meanwhile, the President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, congratulated Adenyi on his election as the Chairman of World Customs Organisation.
“At a time when it is assumed that the reputation of Nigeria is going down, it is important for the world to know that we have given them the best chairman in Customs.
“And for that reason, we must celebrate what God has given to this nation in a manner that the world will know and stand up for us,” Neliaku said.
Also speaking, the formal Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, admonished Adeniyi to continue the good work and do even more.
He, however, expressed concern over the cases of abductions in the country and admonished the government to use wisdom in addressing the challenges.
Gana called for proper education and respect for democracy in the country, stressing that democracy should not be destroyed.
Similarly, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market, Sen. Osita Izunaso, said the Customs under Adeniyi has done so well and surpass its target.
Izonaso appreciated Idris and commended Neliaku for the good works they are doing for the NIPR.
Responding, Adeniyi appreciated all speakers at the event and pledged to continue to do his best to promote the image and reputation of Nigeria.
“However, it would be wrong for us to leave building and protecting the image of Nigeria to the Minister of Information and National Orientation alone.
“What is happening now requires all of us as individuals in the different ecosystem we operate, starting from the simplest of all; we all have WhatsApp group we belong where we talk about the country. We need to defend our country.
“There are some interest that have begin to show that they also have something at stake in our country. Our stake is bigger than theirs, because this is our country. I urge us to take this as our own figh, not just for the Miniter and Military,” Adeniyi said.
Representatives from the governments of Nasarawa, Jigawa and Zamfara, former presidents of NIPR, former governor of Niger, Dr Babangida Aliyu, traditional leaders and many others attended the event.
High points of the event was the unnveiling of the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaha Abubakar, as the World Public Relations Forum Royal Ambassador and the fund raising.
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