Tragedy was averted on Friday, 16 May 2025, when a gas explosion erupted at the Nobpet Filling Station, directly opposite the Nigerian Air Force Base in Port Harcourt.
The incident, which occurred around 4:11 pm, sent shockwaves through the area, triggering panic among residents and commuters.
However, a swift and courageous response by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fire unit brought the situation under control before it could escalate.
“Upon hearing the explosion, the NAF fire team, located nearby at the Base, sprang into action, arriving at the scene within minutes.
“Working under intense heat and thick smoke, the firefighters battled the flames with remarkable professionalism and bravery, successfully extinguishing the fire and preventing it from spreading to adjoining buildings, vehicles, and homes”, NAF said in a post on its X handle.
It said: “Beyond firefighting, the NAF once again demonstrated its deep commitment to public service. The Base ambulance was immediately deployed, providing first aid and evacuating three injured civilians to the NAF Hospital (NAFRH) for urgent medical care.
It added that the quick medical intervention helped stabilise the victims, further underscoring the NAF’s readiness to assist in emergencies, whether on the battlefield or within the community.
“This timely intervention reflects the Nigerian Air Force’s enduring commitment to its corporate social responsibility and its support to civil authorities, especially in times of crisis. It also highlights the benefits of recent upgrades to the NAF’s fire-fighting assets, initiated by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar. These upgrades have significantly enhanced the Service’s emergency response capacity, ensuring that NAF fire units remain agile, efficient, and reliable.
“As calm returns to the affected area, the NAF remains on standby, ready to support not just in combat operations, but in safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure across the nation. In moments like this, the Air Force reaffirms its role not just as a defender of the skies, but also as a dependable partner to the Nigerian people”, it said.