EMVC, Federal Polytechnic Offa Partner to Drive Indigenous Electric Vehicle Production, Skills Development

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria’s push to develop a homegrown electric vehicle industry has received a major boost as Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC) and the Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State, signed a landmark partnership aimed at accelerating indigenous electric vehicle production, battery technology research and technical skills development.

The agreement, described as the first collaboration of its kind between a Nigerian indigenous electric vehicle manufacturer and a polytechnic, is expected to bridge the gap between industry and academia while strengthening local capacity across the country’s automotive value chain.

Under the partnership, both institutions will jointly develop market-ready electric vehicles tailored to Nigerian and African road conditions, collaborate on battery technology research, including battery cell assembly and battery management systems, and promote the local sourcing of components.

The initiative will also provide structured training for students of the Federal Polytechnic Offa in electric vehicle design, assembly, battery systems and after-sales maintenance, while enabling both organisations to share laboratories, workshops, technical resources and research facilities.

Beyond the immediate collaboration, EMVC and the polytechnic outlined ambitious plans to establish a Centre of Excellence in Electric Mobility on the campus, develop specialised curricula and certification programmes in electric vehicle engineering, battery technology and renewable energy systems, and create internship and apprenticeship opportunities for students.

Other proposed areas of collaboration include faculty exchange programmes, joint research publications, patent development, entrepreneurship support for student innovators, deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure on campus, local fabrication of vehicle components, joint applications for research grants and community awareness campaigns to promote electric mobility across Kwara State and the North Central region.

Speaking on the significance of the partnership, EMVC Chief Executive Officer, Prince Mustapha Mona Audu, said the future of Nigeria’s electric vehicle industry depends not only on manufacturing capacity but also on developing the human capital needed to sustain it.

“This collaboration reflects EMVC’s belief that building a genuine electric vehicle industry in Nigeria requires more than manufacturing capacity; it requires a deliberate investment in people and knowledge. Partnering with Federal Polytechnic Offa allows us to develop vehicles and battery technology suited to our environment while training the next generation of Nigerian engineers and technicians who will sustain this industry long into the future,” he said.

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Offa, Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, described the partnership as a strategic step towards aligning technical education with the practical demands of Nigeria’s emerging clean energy and mobility sector, noting that it would expose students to real-world engineering, manufacturing and innovation.

Industry observers say the collaboration comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to diversify its economy, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and build domestic manufacturing capacity in line with the global transition to cleaner transportation.

EMVC, a Nigerian-owned company, is currently focused on the design, assembly and manufacturing of electric vehicles suited to African conditions. Its operations cover two- and three-wheel electric vehicles, battery assembly and charging infrastructure, with plans to expand into four-wheel vehicle assembly as part of its broader vision of positioning Nigeria and Africa as producers, rather than merely consumers, of clean mobility technologies.

EMVC, Federal Polytechnic Offa Partner to Drive Indigenous Electric Vehicle Production, Skills Development

Operation FANSAN YAMMA Neutralises 805 Terrorists, Rescues 2,536 Kidnap Victims, Recovers 296 AK-47 Rifles in North-West Offensive

By Zagazola Makama

The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Major General W.B. Idris, has disclosed that troops operating across the North-West have neutralised 805 terrorists, rescued 2,536 kidnapped victims, arrested 1,108 suspected terrorists and informants, and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in sustained operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks.

Major General Idris made the disclosure on Thursday while briefing defence correspondents during a strategic media engagement at the Headquarters of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Gusau, Zamfara State on Thursday.

According to the Theatre Commander, the operational achievements illustrated the effectiveness of sustained intelligence-driven operations, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and the growing synergy between the Armed Forces and local communities in confronting insecurity across the North-West.

He disclosed that troops recovered 296 AK-47 rifles, 12 PKT machine guns, four General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), four QJC heavy machine guns, three Dushka anti-aircraft guns, and 11 Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launchers during various operations conducted across the theatre.

The command also recovered 18,335 rounds of assorted ammunition, 477 magazines, and 632 motorcycles used by terrorists for mobility and attacks.

In addition, troops recovered 4,219 rustled livestock, which were subsequently returned to their rightful owners, depriving criminal groups of a major source of funding while restoring livelihoods in affected communities.

Major General Idris said the sustained operational pressure mounted by troops has significantly degraded the operational capability of terrorist groups, forcing them to abandon several enclaves and disrupting their logistics, recruitment and supply networks.

He explained that while terrorists previously operated freely along major highways, continuous military domination of critical road corridors has compelled them to retreat into remote forests and difficult terrain, where they now rely on motorcycles and foot movement through narrow bush tracks.

“The operational environment remains dynamic, but sustained offensive actions have denied the terrorists freedom of movement along major highways and significantly reduced their ability to operate openly,” he said.

The Theatre Commander noted that the security challenges confronting the theatre remain concentrated in parts of Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states, where troops continue to conduct long-range patrols, clearance operations, intelligence-led raids and targeted offensive missions.

He warned that terrorist groups have continued to adapt their tactics, including the increasing deployment of sophisticated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the use of trained marksmen and the exploitation of rugged terrain to evade military operations.

According to him, recent encounters have shown that some IEDs employed by terrorist groups contain significantly larger explosive charges capable of destroying heavily armoured combat vehicles.

Despite these evolving threats, he said the command has sustained the momentum of both kinetic and non-kinetic operations through continuous adaptation of operational tactics and increased deployment of technology.

The Theatre Commander highlighted several notable operations conducted during the review period, including the destruction of terrorist camps, rescue of abducted civilians, recovery of illegal arms, interception of terrorist logistics couriers, dismantling of illegal firearms manufacturing syndicates and disruption of medical and supply networks supporting terrorist groups.

He said intelligence-led operations have become the cornerstone of the command’s successes, stressing that operational planning now integrates the capabilities of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services (DSS), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Community Protection Guards and other security stakeholders.

Major General Idris also acknowledged the operational benefits derived from the strategic security partnership between Nigeria and the United States, saying the collaboration has enhanced surveillance capabilities and supported precision strikes against high-value terrorist targets.

He explained that every intercepted courier transporting weapons, ammunition or explosives undergoes detailed intelligence exploitation to identify and apprehend the intended recipients, thereby dismantling entire logistics networks rather than merely arresting individual suspects.

“We do not stop at making arrests. We investigate every suspect, identify the destination of the weapons or logistics and ensure that the recipients are also apprehended. Our objective is to dismantle the entire criminal network,” he said.

On civil-military cooperation, the Theatre Commander said the command continues to complement combat operations with humanitarian and community-based initiatives aimed at strengthening public trust and improving intelligence sharing.

He disclosed that Headquarters Operation FANSAN YAMMA distributed 24,400 bags of fertiliser to farming communities in Maru, Anka and Tsafe Local Government Areas of Zamfara State to support agricultural production during the 2026 farming season.

The command also carried out medical outreaches, renovated healthcare facilities, organised educational support programmes and maintained regular engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders and state governments to promote sustainable peace.

On the security of major highways and critical infrastructure, Major General Idris said sustained troop deployments, mobile patrols, snap checkpoints, ambushes, aerial surveillance and coordinated ground operations have significantly improved security along strategic corridors, including the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway, the Abuja–Kaduna railway, Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna–Katsina Road and major highways across Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states.

He noted that while isolated attacks still occur in remote hinterland communities, the command has substantially reduced attacks on major road networks through aggressive area domination operations.

The commander further assured that troop welfare remains a priority, revealing that personnel receive timely operational allowances, adequate feeding, potable water, Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs) during operations and continuous logistical support from Defence Headquarters and the Service Headquarters.

He also disclosed that Operation FANSAN YAMMA is expected to receive dedicated unmanned aerial systems upon completion of the construction of its drone hangar, a development he said would further strengthen surveillance, force protection and operational effectiveness.

The Theatre Commander, Commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of the Air Staff, the Chief of the Naval Staff, and the Honourable Minister of Defence for their unwavering support to troops in the theatre.

He said the military leadership has consistently provided Operation FANSAN YAMMA with critical combat enablers, including modern weapons, equipment, intelligence assets, logistics, mobility platforms and other operational resources that have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of troops in the fight against terrorism and banditry.

According to the Theatre Commander, the steady provision of these combat enablers has improved the operational capability of the Joint Task Force, enabling troops to conduct sustained offensive operations, dominate key areas, respond rapidly to threats and record notable successes against criminal elements across the North-West.

Major General Idris stated that the support from the military high command has also strengthened troop morale and enhanced force protection, assuring that the command would continue to make prudent use of the resources provided to sustain pressure on terrorist and bandit networks until lasting peace and security are restored in the region.

He equally lauded the Governor of Zamfara state, Dauda Lawal Dare, for his continued support to enhance Operations of FANSAN YANMA.

Looking ahead, the Theatre Commander said the command would sustain ongoing offensive operations, deepen intelligence-driven engagements, expand long-range patrols into remote forests, strengthen border security, enhance civil-military cooperation, intensify information operations against terrorist propaganda and continue working with sister security agencies and neighbouring countries to deny terrorists freedom of action.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA to restoring lasting peace, protecting lives and property, and consolidating security gains across the North-West through sustained military pressure and strategic collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA Neutralises 805 Terrorists, Rescues 2,536 Kidnap Victims, Recovers 296 AK-47 Rifles in North-West Offensive

1 Brigade strengthens civil-military ties, inter-agency collaboration to sustain gains against banditry in Zamfara

By Zagazola Makama

The Headquarters 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, says it has continued to complement its ongoing kinetic operations against terrorists and bandits in Zamfara State with robust civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives and strengthened inter-agency collaboration, a strategy it says has improved public confidence, enhanced intelligence gathering and contributed significantly to security gains across its Area of Responsibility.

The Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Mustapha Jimoh, said the Brigade had adopted a whole-of-society approach that combines military operations with humanitarian interventions and close partnerships with security agencies and local communities.

Jimoh, while presenting an operational brief on the activities of the Brigade, said military operations alone could not guarantee lasting peace without the active participation and trust of the civilian population.

According to him, the Brigade has continued to execute extensive Civil-Military Cooperation programmes designed to strengthen relations between troops and host communities while encouraging greater public participation in efforts to combat banditry and other security threats.

“The Brigade continued to execute robust civil-military cooperation activities aimed at enhancing public confidence, strengthening civil-military relations and fostering cordial relationships with host communities,” he said.

He explained that the programmes include free medical outreaches, humanitarian assistance, educational support initiatives, community engagement forums and sustained interactions with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women groups, farmers and pastoralists.

Jimoh said these engagements have continued to build confidence between the military and local communities, resulting in improved intelligence flow and reduced support for criminal elements operating within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility.

One of the Brigade’s major humanitarian interventions, according to the commander, was the distribution of shoes and school bags to vulnerable persons in selected Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across Gusau, Tsafe, Maradun and Bukuyum Local Government Areas.

He said beneficiaries from the various local government areas were conveyed to Gusau by their respective local government authorities, where the items were formally presented as part of the Army’s humanitarian outreach.

The Brigade Commander also disclosed that troops distributed customised exercise books to thousands of pupils and students across several public educational institutions in Gusau as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).

The beneficiary schools included Universal Basic Education Orphan and Primary School, Government Girls Arabic Secondary School, the School for Special Education, the School of Continuing Education, Tudun Wada Modern Primary School and Universal Basic Education Dangaladima Primary School, among others.

Jimoh noted that the educational support initiative was intended to encourage learning while reassuring parents and school authorities of the military’s commitment to creating a secure environment for education.

In the health sector, he said the Brigade organised a free medical outreach in Kauran Namoda, where residents received medical consultations and treatment as part of efforts to deepen the relationship between the Army and the civilian population.

The Brigade also carried out a school engagement programme at Government Girls Arabic Secondary School in Gusau during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, providing students with opportunities to interact with military personnel and gain better understanding of the Army’s constitutional responsibilities.

According to Jimoh, the Brigade has equally facilitated the safe reopening of schools located within designated secure educational zones through sustained security operations and continuous engagement with relevant stakeholders.

He added that troops also executed several community development projects across the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s directive on strengthening civil-military relations.

“The sustained Civil-Military Cooperation activities have deepened public trust and confidence in the Nigerian Army, improved intelligence flow and reduced support for criminal and hostile elements,” the Brigade Commander said.

Jimoh emphasised that intelligence supplied by local communities had continued to play a critical role in planning successful operations against terrorists and bandits across Zamfara State.

He said the Brigade therefore remained committed to expanding community engagement as a key component of its overall counter-banditry strategy.

On inter-agency collaboration, the Brigade Commander said Headquarters 1 Brigade has maintained strong operational synergy with sister services and other security agencies operating within Zamfara and Kebbi States.

He identified the Brigade’s principal partners as the 207 Quick Response Group of the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant security organisations.

According to him, the collaboration is driven by coordinated operational planning, intelligence sharing and the conduct of joint security operations aimed at maximising available resources in addressing security challenges.

“The Brigade maintained excellent operational collaboration with the 207 Quick Response Group of the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies operating within the theatre,” Jimoh said.

He further acknowledged the support of the Zamfara and Kebbi State governments, describing their contributions in logistics, intelligence, policy coordination and community engagement as vital to the Brigade’s operational successes.

The Brigade Commander said the partnership with state governments had strengthened institutional coordination and enhanced the effectiveness of ongoing military operations.

Jimoh also underscored the role of the media in supporting national security efforts, describing responsible journalism as an essential component of the country’s security architecture.

He said factual and timely reporting by credible defence correspondents helps to inform the public, strengthen confidence in security institutions, counter misinformation and deny criminal groups opportunities to manipulate public narratives.

“The Brigade remains committed to sustaining constructive engagement with responsible media practitioners while ensuring strict adherence to operational security considerations,” he said.

Despite the progress recorded, Jimoh acknowledged that the Brigade continues to contend with challenges, including vast operational terrain, expansive forest reserves, evolving criminal tactics, limited operational resources and trans-border criminal networks.

He said overcoming those challenges would require sustained cooperation among security agencies, improved intelligence gathering, stronger logistics support and greater participation by local communities.

Looking ahead, the Brigade Commander said Headquarters 1 Brigade would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations while expanding civil-military cooperation programmes and strengthening partnerships with sister security agencies.

He said particular attention would remain on protecting educational institutions, farming communities and critical national infrastructure, facilitating the safe return of displaced persons and creating an environment conducive to socio-economic development across Zamfara and Kebbi States.

Jimoh reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to its constitutional responsibility of supporting civil authorities in maintaining internal security while working with communities and other stakeholders to achieve lasting peace in the North-West.

1 Brigade strengthens civil-military ties, inter-agency collaboration to sustain gains against banditry in Zamfara