The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria–D7G, DICON–D7G, has announced the successful assembly of approximately 1,000 units of the upgraded DG-103 rifle within two months of commencing operations at its Kaduna facility.
The DG-103, a locally licensed variant of the AK-103 Kalashnikov assault rifle, is chambered for the 7.62x39mm M43 cartridge and designed to meet the operational demands of Nigeria’s security forces.
Chief Executive Officer of DICON–D7G, Mr. Osman Chennar, disclosed the development during a briefing at the company’s headquarters in Abuja. The address was delivered on his behalf by retired Maj.-Gen. Mainasara Masanawa, Director of Land Systems, Innovation, Research and Development.
Chennar described the achievement as a major step forward in Nigeria’s renewed push for indigenous arms production, noting that all rifles in the first batch had passed rigorous testing and certification in line with standards of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He further revealed that the company is simultaneously producing drones and anti-drone systems equipped with early-warning capabilities to support frontline operations.
“With full operations now underway, our target is to produce 60 million rounds of ammunition annually, reaffirming DICON–D7G’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence ecosystem,” he said.
READ ALSO:EU proposes fast-track system for military mobility
Chennar also announced that by February 2026, the organisation will acquire a military jetty in Lagos. The facility will house a production line, warehouses and personnel accommodation, significantly boosting local manufacturing capacity and enabling the export of defence equipment to neighbouring African countries.
He added that the corporation also plans to establish a shipyard at the Lagos jetty for the maintenance and servicing of naval vessels.
According to him, these milestones reflect the early phases of a broader strategy to reinforce Nigeria’s self-reliance and enhance national security preparedness.
“DICON–D7G is a central player in the defence industrialisation component of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
