By Ameh Gabriel
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken a major stride towards boosting its emergency response capabilities and strengthening safety within its bases and host communities with the unveiling of its newly upgraded fire tenders.
At a ceremony held on April 16, 2025, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Ehimen Ejodame, announced the rollout of the first batch of eight modernized fire trucks, signaling the start of a larger project aimed at upgrading 19 fire tenders across NAF units nationwide.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, emphasized that the initiative reflects the NAF’s dual commitment to national defense and humanitarian support.
“This moment is a testament to our operational readiness and dedication—not just as a fighting force, but as a responsible institution committed to providing quality emergency services to our bases and host communities,” the CAS stated.
The upgraded fire trucks underwent a comprehensive technical overhaul carried out by Messrs. Afrodezt Global Services Limited, a Nigerian engineering company. According to the NAF, the modernization included the installation of higher-capacity components and state-of-the-art firefighting systems aimed at enhancing operational performance and extending the lifespan of the vehicles.
To complement the technical upgrades, selected NAF fire personnel also completed specialized training programs provided by the engineering firm, ensuring the effective operation and maintenance of the newly enhanced assets.
In a further move to sustain the gains, the NAF has reactivated its Fire Maintenance Teams across all fire stations, a strategy designed to promote a robust maintenance culture, build technical capacity, and guarantee the long-term functionality of its critical firefighting infrastructure.
Air Marshal Abubakar linked the development to his broader command philosophy centered on repositioning the NAF for improved defense of Nigeria’s territorial integrity through enhanced airpower and operational safety.
“Our focus has been on fleet expansion, combat readiness, and a strong safety culture. This year alone, about 1,500 personnel have undergone training in various safety disciplines, reflecting our commitment to building a safety-conscious force,” he noted.
The CAS also revealed that part of the ongoing safety reforms within the NAF include a complete overhaul of fire safety systems and the creation of a centralized monitoring framework to improve compliance, facilitate early risk identification, and enable evidence-based decision-making across all units.
“This initiative is another giant stride, not just towards securing Nigeria’s airspace, but also towards safeguarding lives and properties within our bases and neighboring communities. It reinforces our belief that national service must blend military excellence with humanitarian responsibility,” Air Marshal Abubakar added.
The event drew key dignitaries, including Branch Chiefs from NAF Headquarters, the Chairman of AFRODEZT Group of Companies, Rear Admiral Harry Arugudade (rtd.), and the former Comptroller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Alhaji Liman Ibrahim, among others.
This latest development underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s evolving strategy of integrating operational effectiveness with community resilience and emergency preparedness, reflecting its broader vision of service to the nation.
