By Nkechi Eze
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has honoured the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) with a Commendation and Award of Excellence in recognition of its outstanding humanitarian service, professionalism, and unwavering partnership in disaster response and community support efforts across Adamawa State.
In an official statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, it was disclosed that the NEMA Yola Operations Office formally presented the award to the 153 Base Services Group, Yola, for its consistent and exceptional contributions to humanitarian operations in the region.
During the presentation ceremony held on 15 October 2025, the Head of Operations for NEMA Yola Office, Mr. Ladan Ayuba, commended the NAF Base for its “uncommon dedication and selfless commitment” to humanitarian service and inter-agency collaboration. He recounted the Base’s consistent involvement since 2014 in providing medical and logistics support to internally displaced persons (IDPs) during the height of the insurgency, as well as its decisive intervention during the July 2025 flood disaster in Yola South Local Government Area.
“In moments of crisis, when lives were at risk and communities were displaced, the 153 Base Services Group stood ready, mobilising personnel, vehicles and medical teams to support rescue operations, evacuate victims, deliver emergency aid and provide critical logistics and security support,” Mr. Ayuba stated.
He further highlighted that the award recognises a broad range of humanitarian interventions attributed to the NAF Base, including rescue transport, the provision of potable water to IDP camps, security during relief distribution, and assistance in the safe return of displaced persons to their communities. NEMA noted that such contributions exemplify the true spirit of national service and inter-agency cooperation.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Mu’azu Mohammed Mu’azu, Commander of the 153 Base Services Group, expressed appreciation to NEMA for the honour and dedicated the recognition to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, for his visionary leadership.
He also acknowledged the guidance of the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Obeya, whose mentorship has strengthened the Base’s operational and humanitarian capacity. “This award is a testament to the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff and the devotion of every airman and airwoman in our Group,” he said. “We remain committed to protecting lives, supporting communities in their greatest moments of need, and standing ready, always, to serve our nation.”
The recognition, according to NEMA, underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s vital role in national emergency response and humanitarian assistance, particularly in disaster-prone areas. It also aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s vision of a ‘people-centred Nigerian Air Force’, reinforcing the Service’s broader commitment to national development, community resilience, and the welfare of citizens.
Through its continued collaboration with agencies such as NEMA, the NAF has remained a key pillar in Nigeria’s humanitarian architecture, providing critical support in search and rescue, emergency airlift, logistics coordination, and post-disaster recovery operations aimed at safeguarding lives and strengthening national resilience.
