In a tweet posted on March 30, Defense News Nigeria reports that the Nigerian army is acquiring Chinese-made Dongfeng armour-plated vehicles quickly and in greater numbers to counter the threat of IEDs. There are hundreds of CSK-131s already deployed, with hundreds more on order.
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Dongfeng CSK-131 unloaded in Nigeria (Picture source: Twitter account of Defense News Nigeria)
The CSK-131 was designed and is manufactured by the Dongfeng Motor Corporation, which is one of the leading vehicle manufacturers in China. The CSK-131 is a mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle that is primarily used for military and security operations.
The CSK-131 has a unique V-shaped hull design that offers improved protection against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), making it ideal for use in areas with high levels of insurgent activity. It also features a reinforced armor plating, which provides additional protection against small arms fire and shrapnel.
The vehicle has a crew of three and can carry up to eight passengers. It is powered by a Cummins diesel engine that produces 400 horsepower and is capable of reaching a top speed of 105 km/h. The CSK-131 also has a range of 800 km and is equipped with a variety of advanced features, such as a central tire inflation system, a self-recovery winch, and a fire suppression system.
In 2019, the Nigerian army took delivery of several Dongfeng CSK-131 armored vehicles as part of its ongoing efforts to improve its military capabilities and combat the growing threat of insurgency in the country. The vehicles were reportedly deployed in the northwestern state of Zamfara, which has been one of the hardest-hit areas in Nigeria's fight against armed groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The Nigerian army has praised the CSK-131 for its performance and durability in combat situations, particularly in areas with high levels of insurgent activity. The vehicles have reportedly been used in a number of successful operations against armed groups in the country, including the arrest of several high-ranking militants and the recovery of large caches of weapons and ammunition.
The Nigerian army has hundreds of Dongfeng CSK-131s in service, with hundreds more on order (Picture source: Twitter account of Defense News Nigeria)
Defense News March 2023
