Minister of Defence Christopher Musa has begun a working visit to Beijing aimed at securing technology transfer to strengthen the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria’s local manufacturing capacity, part of broader efforts to deepen defence cooperation between Nigeria and China.
According to a statement from Special Assistant on Media Leah Katung Babatunde, the visit is meant to deepen bilateral defence ties, accelerate modernisation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and significantly boost the country’s indigenous military production capability. Leading a Nigerian delegation through diplomatic and industrial engagements, Musa underscored Nigeria’s commitment to integrating emerging technology and artificial intelligence into its national security architecture to keep the Armed Forces ahead of evolving asymmetric threats. Our focus is clear, we are committed to partnerships that do not just make Nigeria a consumer, but an active producer, Musa said at the delegation’s first engagement at the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation Innovation Centre, through DICON, we will expand local production lines, drive absolute technology transfer, and achieve sustainable self reliance in defence manufacturing to secure our nation.
The delegation also visited the headquarters and exhibition centre of China North Industries Corporation, touring displays of land platforms, advanced artillery systems, specialised ammunition and integrated defence solutions, before Musa held a closed door bilateral meeting with the company’s president and senior executives focused on practical technology transfer, technical capacity building and establishing joint production lines in Nigeria in partnership with DICON.
Separately, Musa commended officers and personnel across Nigeria’s security architecture for the successful rescue of kidnapped pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire local government area of Oyo State on July 10, 2026. In a commendation message, he praised the coordinated efforts of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the National Security Adviser’s Tactical Team and other agencies involved, calling the operation a model of intelligence driven security intervention that demonstrated professionalism, courage and interagency cooperation. He said the safe rescue of students and staff abducted from Baptist Nursery and Primary School at Yawota, Community High School at Ahoro Esinele and L.A. Primary School at Ahoro Esinele reflected the dedication of security personnel working under difficult conditions to protect Nigerians and defend the country’s territorial integrity, and while celebrating the victims’ safe return, extended condolences to the families of personnel who lost their lives during the operation, calling their sacrifice a reflection of the highest ideals of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and praying their families find courage and comfort during this period of grief.
