Nigerian Army, NORINCO Begin Operations At Bauchi Service Centre

The Nigerian Army and China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) have commenced operations at the Nigerian Army and NORINCO Comprehensive Service Centre at Obienu Barracks, Bauchi, in a move aimed at improving the maintenance and availability of armoured vehicles, tanks and artillery equipment.

In a statement signed by Major AA Adekunle, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, on August 28, 2026, the Army said the facility would handle comprehensive maintenance, major overhaul, replacement of major assemblies, retrofitting and repairs of equipment supplied by NORINCO.

According to him, the centre will handle major overhauls, replacement of major assemblies, retrofitting and repairs, among other equipment support activities.

“The centre was established to carry out comprehensive maintenance from level 2 to level 4 on equipment supplied by NORINCO. This includes major overhaul, replacement of major assemblies, retrofitting and repairs,” Ekeator said.

He explained that the facility would focus primarily on tanks, Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs), artillery weapons and other military equipment, with a mandate to ensure the serviceability of NORINCO-produced AFVs operated by various formations of the Nigerian Army.

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“The Centre has a mandate to keep serviceable AFVs produced by NORINCO for the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, Nigerian Army Armoured Corps and the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery,” he said.

Ekeator stressed the importance of maintaining a sustainable partnership between the Nigerian Army and NORINCO, noting that the collaboration would strengthen the Army’s capacity to maintain its critical platforms locally.

He added that the centre would also train Nigerian Army personnel in equipment support activities, which he said would enhance equipment availability and operational readiness in the various theatres of operation.

“The centre will also provide training to Nigerian Army personnel on equipment support activities, a move expected to improve equipment availability for the Nigerian Army in the theatres of operations,” Ekeator added.

Earlier, the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School, Major General Sunday Makolo, received Ekeator and the Deputy General Manager of NORINCO Africa Department, Mr Tian Bei, during a courtesy visit to his office.

The event was attended by members of the NORINCO team, staff officers from the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps (NAAC), Nigerian Army Armour School (NAAS) and Nigerian Army Special Vehicle Plant (NASVP).

The programme featured a tour of the Comprehensive Service Centre, a press briefing, presentation of souvenirs and group photographs.