Nigeria Assembles First Thousand DG-103 Assault Rifles as Mass Production Begins

The Nigerian defense industry corporation DICON-D7G reports that it has assembled over 1,000 modernized DG-103 rifles in the first two months of operation at a new production site in the city of Kaduna.

The DG-103 is a localized, licensed version of the AK-103 assault rifle chambered in 7.62×39 mm and adapted to the needs of Nigeria’s military and security forces, the manufacturer said.

The program’s progress was announced by DICON-D7G CEO Osman Chennar during a briefing at the corporation’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to him, the first batch of DG-103 rifles has completed full testing and certification and meets the operational standards of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

DICON-D7G is also expanding drone and early‑warning counter‑UAV production to support troops on the front lines.

The corporation says it aims to produce up to 60 million rounds of ammunition annually, helping build the country’s own defense ecosystem.
By February 2026, the company plans to acquire a military facility in Lagos that will host a new weapons production line, warehouses, and living quarters for personnel.

DICON-D7G also plans to establish a shipyard for the repair and maintenance of naval vessels.

The corporation says these projects are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s defense industry’s independence and preparing the country to export defense products to other African states.

The DG-103 is described as the first element of “Renewed Hope,” a government initiative to reduce import dependence and modernize the armed forces.

“The current results are only the beginning of a large‑scale transformation of the Nigerian defense sector,” DICON-D7G noted.
Nigeria recently announced what it called “the first strike drone in Africa.”