They Called Me Rambo”: Nigerian Army General Ezugwu Tells Story Behind His Armoured Vehicle Invention

Retired Major General Victor Ezugwu, once Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), has shared how his life, military career, and frontline experiences led to the invention of the first Nigerian-made Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, now named Ezugwu MRAP in his honour.

Early Life & Military Journey

Ezugwu hails from Ohebe, Igbo-Etiti LGA of Enugu State. He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1985 and became a commissioned officer in 1990 under the Infantry Corps, spending 38 years in service before retiring two years ago.

Raised by his widowed mother after losing his father in 1978, Ezugwu credits both parents for shaping his character. His father, a colonial-era mechanic, passed on a love for technical work. His mother, a devout Catholic, instilled spiritual discipline. He is a Papal Knight, honoured by Pope Benedict XVI.

How the Ezugwu MRAP Was Born

In 2016, while serving as Commandant of the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria, he was tasked by then Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, to reform recruit training using his combat experience from Borno and Adamawa.

Ezugwu challenged trainees—especially mechanics—to build patrol vehicles. They turned an old Volkswagen Golf into a working patrol prototype. Within six months, five vehicles were completed and showcased at a passing-out parade, catching Buratai’s attention. Ezugwu was then asked to establish a vehicle production outfit.

In Kaduna, Ezugwu teamed up with Shedrack Agbo, an innovative automobile engineer. Together with a team of young Nigerian engineers, they developed what would become the Ezugwu MRAP. President Muhammadu Buhari later approved its production and naming.

Used in Battle Zones

Over 30 units of the MRAP have been produced and deployed to military operations in Maiduguri, Adamawa, Sokoto, and Enugu. One was even displayed proudly in Ezugwu’s hometown.

What Makes the Ezugwu MRAP Special?

First Nigerian-made military armoured vehicle since 1964

Bulletproof, resistant to AK-47 and machine gun fire

Mine-resistant, able to absorb explosive shock

Can move through water 20–30 meters deep

Equipped with armoured glass, advanced radios (range: 10–16km), and surveillance cameras (range: 2–5km)

Cost-effective: ₦250 million per unit, compared to ₦900 million–₦1 billion for imported alternatives

Ezugwu says the nickname “Rambo” was given to him during service because of his bravery in battle, and the MRAP is one of his proudest legacies.