For decades, The Nigerian Army has Increase it MRAP capabilities and APC’s due to re-occurrence of IED explosion in North-Eastern Nigeria, Boko-haram planted IED’s has claimed the lives of thousands of Nigerian soldiers fighting terrorism in the North-East. but this had been minimal due to heavy purchase or procurement of MRAP’S from the west and china including locally made MRAP VEHICLE , made by Nigeria’s only private defense company PROFORCE LTD.
The Nigerian Army operates a vast models of MRAP’s both in Large numbers and Tech wise.
below we take a look at MINE RESISTANT AMBUSH PROTECTED VEHICLE IN THE NIGERIAN ARMY INVENTORY.
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REVA APC (SOUTH AFRICA):
The REVA Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) is a mine-protected vehicle. It is produced by Integrated Convoy Protection. The vehicle’s V-shaped hull offers protection against land mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED)s. The vehicle has space for at least 10 passengers. Ten firing ports are also available. Two lightmachine guns can be used and cover a 360-degree on roller bearing turret hatches.
The Nigerian Army operates close to 40 of this MRAP.
2. IGIRIGI MRAP (NIGERIA):
The Igirigi APC is the Nigerian Army’s locally manufactured armoured personnel carrier.
Designed and manufactured by the army Corps of Engineers, the APC was first introduced to the media during the 2012 Nigeria Army Day celebrations (NADCEL). While actual specs of the vehicle are still undisclosed, observers noted the remote control weapons station, and its IED deflecting V shaped hull.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika,said the local production of APC had saved the nation at least 30 per cent of the cost of the foreign version and that the unveiling of the APC was part of the ongoing reform in the military and in line with the transformation agenda of the Jonathan administration.
The Nigerian army operates close to hundred of this MRAP
3. BAE Caiman MRAP (USA):
The Caiman is an armored vehicle with a V-hull design based on the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) and Low Signature Armored Cab (LSAC), initially developed by Stewart & Stevenson. Stewart & Stevenson was later acquired in 2005 by Armor Holdings, which developed the Caiman from the FMTV and LSAC designs. Armor Holdings also owned O’Gara-Hess & Eisenhardt (which had exclusive rights to the up-armor kits the U.S. Military selected for their Humvees) and Integrated Textile Systems (who had an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fiber called Tensylon that is processed into composite armor) at the time.
The Nigerian army operates close to a dozen of this MRAP, they were part of the MRAP’s phased out by the US.
4. International MaxxPro (USA):
The International MaxxPro MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle is an armored fighting vehicledesigned by American company Navistar International’s subsidiary Navistar Defense along with the Israeli Plasan Sasa, who designed and manufactures the vehicle’s armor.The vehicle was designed to take part in the US Military’s Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle program, led by the US Marine Corps, as well as a similar US Army-led Medium Mine Protected Vehicle program.
5.CS-VP3 (BIG FOOT) MRAP (CHINA):
The Nigerian Army operates close to 150 of this MRAP.
6. PROFORCE ARA(THUNDER) MRAP (NIGERIA):
The ARA or THUNDER is a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle designed to provide ultimate protection for high degree threats. Combining an array of latest technology the ARA is a mission adaptive vehicle that provides superior crew protection and offensive ability.
DIMENSIONS :
LENGTH : 6800mm
HEIGHT : 2500mm
WIDTH : 2500mm
WHEELBASE : 3500mm
GROUND CLEARANCE : 250mm
GVW : 19 Ton
PAYLOAD : 3000kg
ENGINE : 218 @ 2200rpm
GEARBOX : Allison 6 Speed Automatic
APPROACH ANGLE : 40deg
DEPARTURE ANGLE : 60deg
MAX SPEED : 96km/h
FUEL TANK CAPACITY : 200 L
The ARA is integrated with a fully independent suspension system.
The independent suspension provides controlled and superior mobility
off-road and tough conditions.
The ARA’s traction and small turning circle gives it superior manoeuvrability through tight areas.
This capability combined with a powerful engine in four-wheel drive train provides the ARA MRAP to deal with extremely rough terrain effortlessly.
The ARA utilizes heavy duty tires that is intended for all terrain operations.
Tire inflation system keeps tired correctly inflated with up to four bullet punctures.
While the internal vehicle run-flat system keeps a vehicle operational even when the tire is damaged.
ARA’S FIREPOWER
360 visibility, multiple cameras and monitors. a variety of weapons including a 50 caliber machine gun can be mounted on the 360 roof turret. Which can be opened and fully enclosed.
TURRET MANUAL OR MOTOR CONTROLLED
1. VARIOUS SIZES AND PROFILES
2. PROGRAMMABLE
3. MULTIPLE JOYSTICK INPUTS OR THUMB CONTROL
A wide range of optional extras available including electronic countermeasures, grenade launchers, C4IS systems, NBC protection systems
Sidewall gun ports and the option to fit side facing roof hatch. The occupants can defend themselves in safety.
The ARA’s Protection capability comes with full spectrum hybrid armour systems.
As standard, the vehicle armour protection systems is independently tested for STANAG levels and above, and is designed to be fully up-gradable. The ARA can be equipped with slat armours and iron curtains to protect against RPGs.
The can be fitted with unique hybrid passive and reactive armours for effective defence against IEDs, EFPs and shape charge warheads
The Nigerian Army has ordered a Total of nine from proforce with many more coming on board based on future acquisitions.
NIGERIA MILITARY BLOG 
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