Abuja: The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Wednesday unveiled eight fully modernised fire trucks in a decisive step to enhance emergency response capabilities and strengthen community safety. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, stated that these eight trucks are the first batch as part of a broader initiative to upgrade 19 units across the service.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abubakar described the feat as a demonstration of NAF’s commitment to both national defence and humanitarian support. He emphasized that it reflects NAF’s dedication to operational readiness as a fighting force and its responsibility to support its bases and host communities with quality emergency services. Abubakar highlighted that this milestone aligns with the core aim of his command philosophy to reposition the NAF for better defence of the nation’s territorial integrity through enhanced air capabilities.
“We have prioritised air operations, focusing on fleet expansion, combat readiness, and operational safety. In line with this, around 1,500 personnel have received training in various safety disciplines this year, highlighting our dedication to a safety-conscious force,” he said.
The CAS also revealed that a key component of the ongoing safety reforms involves a comprehensive overhaul of fire safety systems and the development of a centralised monitoring framework. This, he noted, is intended to improve compliance, enable early risk identification, and support evidence-based decision-making across the service.
“This initiative is another giant stride towards securing not just the skies but also the lives and properties within our bases and surrounding communities. It underscores our integrated approach to national service, which combines military excellence with humanitarian responsibility,” he added.
The fire tenders were upgraded through a comprehensive technical overhaul conducted by Messrs Afrodezt Global Services Limited, an indigenous engineering firm. The Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Emmanuel Oluguo, remarked that the upgrades incorporated higher-capacity components and cutting-edge fire fighting systems designed to extend vehicle lifespan and significantly enhance operational efficiency. He explained that the company handled the mechanical, electrical, and pump system overhaul, converting and installing modern pumping systems from 2022 and 2023 into the fire trucks originally manufactured in 1982 and 1983.