Firefighters save 1,700 lives, protect N300bn assets in Q1

Firefighters across Nigeria saved more than 1,700 lives and protected properties valued at over N300 billion in the first quarter of 2026, as the Federal Fire Service intensified emergency response efforts nationwide.

This was made known on Monday in Abuja during activities marking the 2026 International Firefighters’ Day, where authorities also renewed calls for stronger legislation, expanded fire station infrastructure and improved welfare for personnel.

The commemoration, drew attention to the realities of firefighting under the theme, “Courage Under Fire: Recognising the Sacrifices and Realities of Firefighting.”

The event highlighted the physical dangers, psychological toll and human cost borne by emergency responders in the line of duty.

Samuel Adeyemi Olumode, Controller-General of the Service, said firefighters routinely confront life-threatening situations, often beyond what the public sees.

“Courage above fear defines what our officers represent. Each response is a choice to act despite danger,” he said.

Olumode noted that firefighting experiences frequently leave lasting emotional and psychological effects on personnel, recalling a past operation that had a profound personal impact.

He stressed the need to deepen institutional support systems for officers dealing with post-incident trauma.

The fire service boss disclosed that within the first quarter of 2026 alone, firefighters responded to hundreds of emergencies nationwide, saving more than 1,700 lives and protecting properties valued at over N300 billion.

“These are not just numbers; they are lives preserved, livelihoods protected and futures secured through the courage and commitment of our firefighters,” he said.

Olumode urged the National Assembly to fast-track the repeal and re-enactment of the Federal Fire Service and Rescue Act, while also calling on lawmakers to prioritise the establishment of fire stations as constituency projects to improve response times across the country.

He further appealed to corporate organisations to include the Fire Service in their corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Highlighting reforms under his leadership, Olumode said the Service had undertaken one of its largest promotion exercises in recent history, elevating over 2,600 officers to address long-standing career stagnation and boost morale.

He added that more than 700 cadet officers had been trained and inducted in Jos, alongside specialised programmes such as the Haskebiu Training Programme in Jaji and intelligence and movement security courses at the Defence Intelligence College.

According to him, welfare interventions have also been expanded to include interest-free loans, enhanced insurance packages, medical coverage for injuries, and structured benefits covering death, retirement and other contingencies.

The Service has also introduced improved workplace conditions through facility upgrades, sanitation measures and targeted health programmes, including specialised screenings for female officers.

The Controller-General also inaugurated a six-member committee to organise an annual awards system aimed at honouring gallantry and outstanding service.

Honoraria were also presented to selected officers and stakeholders for their contributions to firefighting efforts.

Olumode appealed to Nigerians to support emergency responders by giving way to fire trucks, respecting safety perimeters and avoiding interference at incident scenes.

“Every second counts. Your cooperation can mean the difference between life and loss,” he said.

He added that beyond emergency situations, firefighters should be recognised as individuals with families and emotional lives, urging the public to show respect and appreciation for their service

Okey Ikechukwu, in his keynote address, described courage under fire as the ability to act decisively under extreme pressure, warning that hesitation during emergencies could result in loss of lives.

He emphasised that effective firefighting requires rigorous training, discipline and mental resilience, noting that fear is natural but must be overcome in critical moments.