News Investigators/ The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reconfigured four pre-owned fuel tankers into specialised aircraft refuelling bowsers to boost operational efficiency.
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Ejodame said the initiative was executed under the supervision of the 643 Equipment Supply Depot in Lagos.
He said it reflected the resolve of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) to entrench proactive logistics support and deepen maintenance culture while leveraging innovation and resourcefulness across the Service.
Ejodame quoted the CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, as saying, “these reconfigured bowsers represent more than just fuel on wheels, they embody our drive for self-reliance and operational adaptability.
“In an era where speed and sustainability of logistics are critical to mission success, the NAF cannot afford to be reactive.
“We must anticipate, adapt, and innovate.”
The NAF spokesman said that the newly reconfigured bowsers were set to play a critical role in sustaining ongoing air operations, particularly in counterterrorism missions and joint force deployments across the country.
He said that the NAF, by ensuring rapid and reliable aircraft refuelling, aims to enhance persistent air presence, optimise turnaround times, and deliver decisive effects in complex operational environments.
According to him, the CAS believed that asymmetric threats demand agile and sustained responses, adding that logistics must no longer be seen as a backend function, but as a frontline enabler of combat power.
Ejodame said that one of the aircraft refuelling units has already been deployed to 407 Air Combat Training Group, Kainji, with the remaining earmarked for other strategic locations nationwide.
According to him, the move is expected to significantly improve the Service’s operational readiness and reaffirms the NAF’s steadfast commitment to national security and the protection of all Nigerians.
NAN
