In Beijing, Defence Minister Pushes for Technology Transfer to Strengthen DICON

*Hails security forces for successful rescue of Oyo kidnap victims

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has commenced a working visit to Beijing, where he was spearheading discussions aimed at securing technology transfer to strengthen the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria’s (DICON) local manufacturing capacity as part of broader efforts to deepen defence and security cooperation between Nigeria and China.

According to a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the visit was intended to deepen bilateral defence cooperation, accelerate the modernisation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), and significantly enhance Nigeria’s indigenous military production capability.

Leading a Nigerian delegation through a series of diplomatic and industrial engagements in Beijing, the minister underscored Nigeria’s commitment to integrating emerging technologies and artificial intelligence into its national security architecture to ensure the Armed Forces remained 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. 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 Minister said during the delegation’s first engagement at the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) Innovation Centre.

As part of efforts to advance Nigeria’s defence industrial self-reliance, the delegation also visited the headquarters and exhibition centre of the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO Group), where it toured displays showcasing the company’s portfolio of land platforms, advanced artillery systems, specialised ammunition and integrated defence solutions.

Musa also held a closed-door bilateral meeting with the President and senior executives of NORINCO.

Discussions focused on practical technology transfer, technical capacity building and the establishment of joint production lines in Nigeria in partnership with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

Meanwhile, Musa has commended officers and men of Nigeria’s security architecture for the successful rescue operation that led to the safe release of kidnapped pupils and teachers from three academic institutions in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 10 July 2026.

In a commendation message, he praised the coordinated efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the National Security Adviser (NSA) Tactical Team and other security and paramilitary agencies involved in the operation, describing it as a model of intelligence-driven security intervention.

The Minister said the operation demonstrated professionalism, courage, interagency cooperation and a strong commitment to protecting lives and property.

He noted that the successful 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 and sacrifices of security personnel working under challenging conditions to safeguard Nigerians and defend the nation’s territorial integrity.

While celebrating the safe return of the victims, Musa expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of personnel who lost their lives during the operation, describing their sacrifice as a reflection of the highest ideals of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“I wish to offer my heartfelt condolences and pray that God grants their families the courage and comfort needed during this period of grief,” he stated.