These Are The 8 Most Powerful Combat Trucks In The Nigerian Military

We know about formidable military vehicles like the M1 Abrams tank, considered one of the deadliest and most powerful tanks on the planet, as well as the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, the world’s most expensive military vehicle, built at the jaw-dropping cost of $13 billion, according to Yahoo Finance. But what are the top contenders in the arena of combat trucks? Which truck would the military world consider the greatest combat truck in the world? 

We can tell you that the Oshkosh Defense-developed L-ATV is the most expensive family of combat trucks in the world, thanks to a princely price tag exceeding half a million US dollars per vehicle. While the Nigerian military does not have the Oshkosh Defense L-ATV in its service, it certainly has other purpose-built tactical trucks allowing it to transport military supplies, soldiers, and infantry in relative safety and confidence. 

Note that we're not discussing the best military trucks here, just the most powerful. We're also not talking about military vehicles in general, which would have included tanks, jets, amphibious vehicles, and so on. Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, has faced significant security challenges in recent years. The Nigerian military has the tedious task of addressing these challenges, and combat trucks have played a vital role in their efforts. Below are the eight most powerful combat trucks in the Nigerian military. 

Related: Why The Oshkosh Defense L-ATV Is The World’s Most Expensive Combat Truck 

Introduction To The Nigerian Military

The Nigerian military is the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is composed of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, and Nigerian Air Force, and is responsible for the defense and security of the country and its citizens.

The military has a long and complex history, with its origins dating back to the pre-colonial era. Today, it is one of the largest and most influential military forces in Africa, with an estimated strength of over 200,000 active personnel. 

The Nigerian military has participated in numerous conflicts and peacekeeping missions both within the country and abroad. It has played a significant role in shaping the political and social landscape of Nigeria. 

Despite facing significant challenges, including insurgency, terrorism, and corruption, the Nigerian military remains a vital institution in the country and continues to work towards ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. 

8 Powerful Combat Trucks In The Nigerian Military

8. Steyr TMP

The Steyr TMP (Taktisches Mehrzweckfahrzeug) is a 4x4 armored truck designed and manufactured by the Austrian company Steyr-Daimler-Puch. 

It has a top speed of 81 mph and can carry up to ten personnel. The Nigerian military uses this vehicle for troop transport and logistics operations. 

7. Panhard AML ­– 90 Horsepower

The Panhard AML (Auto Mitrailleuse Légère) is a 4x4 armored car designed and manufactured by the French company Panhard. 

It has a top speed of 65 mph and can carry up to five personnel. The Nigerian military uses this vehicle for reconnaissance and border patrols. 

6. Casspir – 170 Horsepower

The Casspir is a 4x4 mine-protected armored personnel carrier designed and manufactured by the South African company TFM Industries.

It has a top speed of 75 mph and can carry up to twelve personnel. The Nigerian military uses this vehicle for counter-insurgency operations. 

5. Otokar Cobra – 190 Horsepower

The Otokar Cobra is a 4x4 armored vehicle designed and manufactured by the Turkish company Otokar. It has a top speed of 68 mph and can carry up to 11 personnel. The Nigerian military uses this vehicle for reconnaissance and troop transport operations. 

4. RG-31 Nyala – 275 Horsepower

The RG-31 Nyala is a 4x4 mine-protected armored personnel carrier designed and manufactured by the Canadian company General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada. 

It has a top speed of 65 mph and can carry up to eleven personnel. The Nigerian military uses this vehicle for mine clearance, troop transport, and reconnaissance operations. 

3. MaxxPro – 330 Horsepower

The MaxxPro is a 4x4 mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle designed and manufactured by the American company Navistar Defense. 

It has a top speed of 65 mph and can carry up to ten personnel. The Nigerian military uses this vehicle for convoy protection and urban warfare. 

Related: The World’s Ten Most Powerful Combat Trucks 

2. BTR-4 – 500 Horsepower

The BTR-4 is an 8x8 amphibious armored personnel carrier designed and manufactured by the Ukrainian company Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau. 

It has a top speed of 69 mph and can carry up to 11 personnel. The Nigerian military uses this vehicle for infantry support and armored transport. 

1. PF2 APC – 536 Horsepower

The PF2 APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) is a 4x4 armored vehicle designed and manufactured by the Nigerian company Proforce Limited. 

It can accommodate up to ten passengers. The Nigerian military uses this vehicle for reconnaissance, border patrols, and troop transport operations.

According to DefenceWeb, “the PF2 features run-flat tires, B6 ballistic protection (up to 7.62×51 mm rounds) as well as blast protection against Land mines, hand grenades, IEDs, etc. (in excess of STANAG 4569 Level 1 to withstand L2A2 grenades).” 

Worthy Mentions

T-72 – 780 Horsepower

The T-72 is a Soviet-made main battle tank in service since the 1970s. It has a top speed of 47 mph and can carry up to three personnel. The Nigerian military uses this vehicle for armored warfare and combat missions. 

T-90 – 840 Horsepower

The T-90 is a Russian-made main battle tank introduced in the 1990s. It has a top speed of 37 mph and can carry up to three personnel. The Nigerian military uses this vehicle for armored warfare and combat missions. 

The Nigerian military has faced significant security challenges in recent years, including insurgency and terrorism. These combat trucks have played a vital role in their efforts to address these challenges. 

These are vehicles designed to protect troops and transport them safely across hostile terrain. They also get used for reconnaissance, border patrols, and logistics operations. 

Summarily, the eight most powerful combat trucks in the Nigerian military include the Otokar Cobra, Panhard AML, Steyr TMP, BTR-4, Casspir, MaxxPro, RG-31 Nyala, T-72, and PF2 APC. 

These vehicles got designed to provide maximum protection and mobility for troops in combat situations. The Nigerian military's investment in these vehicles is a testament to their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of their citizens.