The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken a significant step toward improving emergency response and community safety with the official commissioning of eight newly upgraded fire tenders. The ceremony, held on Tuesday, marks the first rollout in a broader initiative aimed at overhauling 19 fire trucks across NAF bases nationwide.
Speaking at the commissioning event, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, emphasized that the development underscores the NAF’s dual role in national defence and humanitarian service.
“This moment is a testament to our operational readiness not just as a fighting force, but as a responsible institution devoted to supporting both our bases and host communities with quality emergency services,” he said.
The upgrades, carried out by indigenous engineering firm Afrodezt Global Services Limited, included a full technical overhaul, incorporating high-capacity components and state-of-the-art firefighting systems.
The enhanced capabilities are expected to boost efficiency, extend the service life of the vehicles, and improve emergency response outcomes.
As part of the initiative, NAF fire personnel also received specialized training from the engineering firm to ensure effective deployment and long-term maintenance of the modernized equipment.
In a bid to sustain these advancements, the Nigerian Air Force has reactivated its Fire Maintenance Team (FMT) across all bases. The move is aimed at instilling a strong maintenance culture and enhancing technical capacity in managing critical safety infrastructure.
Air Marshal Abubakar linked the milestone to his broader command philosophy of strengthening the NAF’s capabilities through modernisation and safety reforms.
“We are repositioning the Nigerian Air Force to better defend the nation’s territorial integrity through enhanced air capabilities,” he said. “So far this year, over 1,500 personnel have undergone safety training in various disciplines, reinforcing our drive toward a safety-conscious and combat-ready force.”
He also announced ongoing reforms in fire safety systems, including the development of a centralized monitoring framework designed to ensure compliance, early risk identification, and data-driven decision-making.
“The initiative represents another major stride towards protecting not only the skies but also the lives and properties within and around our bases. It reflects our commitment to military excellence and humanitarian responsibility,” the CAS concluded.
The event was attended by high-ranking military officers and dignitaries, including Branch Chiefs from NAF Headquarters, Chairman of the Afrodezt Group of Companies Rear Admiral Harry Arugudade (Rtd), and former Comptroller General of the Federal Fire Service, Alhaji Liman Ibrahim