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.
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.