The bromance between the German armaments conglomerate giant, Rheinmetall and the Nigerian Army appears to have hit the rocks after Egyptian arms company, Eagles International for Defense Systems, was contracted by the President Bola Tinubu administration to supply over 100 armored vehicles for civilian and military applications, including luxury armored SUVs, luxury armored sedans, luxury armored buses, and Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs). The total cost of the vehicles is estimated at $18 million, with an estimated annual maintenance cost of $125,000.
High-ranking officials from the Nigerian Army and Ministry of Defense, including senior military and defense procurement officials, responsible for evaluating and negotiating defense acquisitions, met with representatives from Eagles International on the sidelines of the 2025 IDEX conference which held in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), from February 17-21, 2025. IDEX (International Defense Exhibition & Conference) is a significant event that featured a wide range of defense technologies and innovations, attracting global defense industry leaders, government delegations, and military officials from around the world to showcase and discuss the latest innovations in defense technology. The Nigerian army’s presence at IDEX was to negotiate the purchase of luxury armored vehicles, in particular, from the Egyptian company Eagles International for Defense Systems, as part of their efforts to enhance their defense capabilities.
Faced with the perennial insecurity and rising wave of kidnapping and banditry that has engulfed Nigeria, the Nigerian defense ministry headed by Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and the head of the army General Christopher Musa are leading a drive to find new ammunition suppliers for Abuja. The inventory of the deal includes luxury Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), whose cost typically range from $500,000 to $1,000,000 depending on the specifications and level of protection, according to industry experts. Also, Nigeria intends to purchase Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, which ranges from $300,000 to $500,000 per unit, as well as luxury Armored SUVs and Sedans. The price for armoring a vehicle can range from $50,000 to $100,000 just for the armoring process, and the total cost, including the base vehicle, can range from $100,000 to $180,000, according to experts. The final cost can vary significantly based on the level of customization and additional features required.
A source at Armormax, a leading manufacturer of bullet-proof cars in response to an email enquiry, told Huhuonline.com that “The vehicles from Armormax are the safest cars on the road and can withstand shooting, carjacking and are much safer in the event of a car accident. The reason is, that assaults and attacks can happen anytime, anywhere. A cocoon-type shell built around the car is nearly safe from firearms and explosions.” Buying an armored car is becoming more and more common with the insecurity that is happening around the world. “The total cost of bulletproofing a vehicle can get up to $100,000,” Armormax noted on its website. Bullet-proof vehicles often require specialized maintenance, which can add to the overall cost of ownership and in Nigeria’s case, all the bullet-proof cars will cost $125,000 annual maintenance fees.
The Nigerian Army has been actively seeking to bolster its battle capabilities to address various security challenges, including insurgency and terrorism. Enhancing its operational readiness is crucial for protecting both military and civilian assets from terrorists, armed robbers and kidnappers. An Aso Rock source balked at criticisms related to the overall procurement costs, insisting that the move aligns with President Tinubu’s broader efforts to modernize the Nigerian military infrastructure and capabilities; and will significantly improve Nigeria’s ability to detect, confront and neutralize Boko Haram and other terrorist threats. “To achieve this, the President is investing in the safety of his frontline commanders.”
On why Tinubu overruled the Generals and snub the German defense contractor, Rheinmetall – a prominent defense contractor with a wide range of offerings across various security domains – the source argued that the ultimate decision rests with Tinubu because he is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. A Rheinmetall source told Huhuonline.com that the company has been proposing its Skyguard-type defense systems to the Nigerian Army, which has been seeking to bolster its readiness and operational capabilities for several months. The source, who elected anonymity because he was not authorized to comment on the issue, boasted that Rheinmetall’s comprehensive portfolio demonstrates their commitment to providing advanced and reliable defense solutions across multiple domains.
The source disclosed that Rheinmetall’s offer to Nigeria was more than just luxury bullet-proof cars. It included air defense systems featuring the Oerlikon Skyshield – a modular and highly effective air defense system designed to protect against a variety of aerial threats, including drones, aircraft, and missiles. It features advanced radar and fire control systems. The Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 is an automated, high-precision air defense gun system that can be integrated with various radar and fire control systems for enhanced effectiveness. Huhuonline.com also learned that the German company proposed its “Boxer” bullet-proof vehicle in place of the Egyptian Eagles Armored Personnel Carriers (APC), which is even more expensive. Unlike the APC which can only be used for transportation, the German source described the “Boxer” as a versatile, multi-role armored vehicle that can be configured for various missions, including troop transport, command and control, and medical evacuation.
Rheinmetall’s offer also included the “Lynx KF41” – a next-generation infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) designed for high mobility, protection, and firepower. It is a state-of-the-art fighting vehicle, featuring modular armor and advanced weapon systems with a high hit probability against small, fast-moving targets. It offers superior protection, against anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), while enhancing the situational awareness, communication, and effectiveness of dismounted soldiers. Most importantly, Rheinmetall offers advanced training solutions, including full-mission simulators for enhancing the readiness and effectiveness of military personnel, with cutting-edge Virtual Reality (VR) training that provide realistic and immersive training environments for soldiers.
A Nigerian Defense ministry source confided to Huhuonline.com that the choice of the Egyptian company, and the inclusion of luxury bullet-proof SUVs, buses and sedans in the package was not informed by frontline battlefield necessity. It was “order from above” and that the said bullet-proof SUVs, buses and sedans will most certainly end up being used by the wives, friends and girlfriends of politicians with close ties to Aso Rock!
