DICON Unveils First Batch of Locally Made DG-103 Rifles (VIDEO)

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has rolled out the first set of its locally produced DG-103 rifles, marking a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s self-reliance in defence production and reducing dependence on imported weapons.

In a statement released on Monday in Kaduna, the Chief Executive Officer of DICON-D7G, Osman Chennar, described the development as a milestone that underscores the country’s growing capability to produce world-class military equipment.

According to Chennar, the DG-103 project has recorded impressive progress within a short period. “In just two months of commencing production, we have assembled nearly 1,000 units of the DG-103 rifle. Every unit has passed stringent operational tests and meets the standards required by the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies,” he said.

Manufactured in Kaduna, the DG-103 is an enhanced version of the AK-103 rifle, redesigned to meet modern security demands. Beyond rifle production, DICON is also advancing plans for large-scale ammunition manufacturing. The company is targeting an annual output of 60 million rounds as part of its long-term strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s defence ecosystem.

Officials say the initiative will not only boost national security but also position Nigeria as a competitive player in Africa’s defence market, with potential opportunities for exporting locally made military hardware across the continent.

The unveiling of the DG-103 rifles represents a significant boost to Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to modernize its defence industry and promote home-grown solutions to emerging security challenges.