The move comes as Burkina Faso continues its fight against armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State. Since taking power in 2022, Traore has promoted domestic defence production, while his government has ended military cooperation with France and strengthened security ties with neighbouring Mali and Niger through the Alliance of Sahel States.

The move is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s wider push for energy reform under his Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the event, Dr Matawalle said switching to gas-powered vehicles would help the military save money, reduce pollution , and increase efficiency.

He described the launch as a step towards modernising the defence sector in line with global climate goals.

“This is more than new vehicles, it’s a transformation of our military into a model of innovation and sustainability,” he said.

Senior military officials, energy experts, and government representatives attended the event, where the Minister inspected the new fleet and even drove one of the vehicles himself.

He also called for more CNG filling stations at military bases across the country and urged training for troops to operate and maintain the vehicles properly.

The Nigerian government says this change will not only help reduce the cost of operations but also improve the military’s ability to function in a cleaner, more sustainable way.

Officials say it is part of a broader effort to modernise Nigeria ’s energy systems while tackling security challenges.