The Federal Fire Service (FFS) began the 2026 New Year on full operational alert, responding swiftly to multiple fire incidents across the country in the early hours of January 1, following a no-leave directive issued by the Controller General, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi.
The directive, released in December, instructed all firefighters to suspend holidays and leave throughout the festive period. The decision proved timely as fire crews were immediately deployed to emergencies from midnight onward, demonstrating high readiness nationwide.
The first recorded fire incident of the year in the Federal Capital Territory occurred at about 12:23 a.m. when a fire broke out at Cake Hot Restaurant within River Plate Park, Wuse, Abuja. Firefighters were promptly mobilised and, working jointly with the FCT Fire Service, successfully contained the blaze before it could spread further in the busy recreational area.
Although a section of the restaurant’s garden was affected, no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded. Property valued at about ₦1.5 billion was saved, while losses were estimated at ₦500 million. Preliminary investigations linked the fire to objects thrown during New Year celebrations, once again highlighting the dangers associated with fireworks.
The Abuja incident echoed earlier warnings by the Controller General, who had cautioned Nigerians against the use of fireworks, candles, and open flames indoors, especially during the harmattan season when dry weather conditions increase fire risks. He also warned against electrical hazards, advising residents to switch off and unplug electrical appliances when not in use and to avoid overloading sockets and extension boxes.
Beyond Abuja, firefighters were simultaneously responding to fire incidents in Lagos, Imo, Gombe, Kwara, and other parts of the country, underscoring the importance of maintaining full manpower and operational readiness during peak-risk periods.
However, the New Year also brought a tragic reminder of the consequences of preventable fires. In Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, firefighters responded to a residential fire involving a wooden structure. While property valued at about ₦10 million was salvaged, losses were estimated at ₦20 million. Tragically, an 11-year-old child lost his life in the incident, with preliminary findings indicating that the fire was caused by a candle left unattended.
Describing the Yenagoa incident as painful and avoidable, the Federal Fire Service stressed that many fire outbreaks result from everyday actions that can be prevented through basic safety precautions.
Controller General Adeyemi expressed sympathy to the owner of the affected restaurant in Abuja and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the family of the child who died in Yenagoa. He again urged Nigerians to take harmattan-season fire safety warnings seriously and advised the public to switch off and unplug electrical appliances when not in use, avoid fireworks and candles indoors, exercise caution during celebrations, and report fire outbreaks promptly.
He reminded Nigerians that fires should be reported immediately to the Federal Fire Service on 08032003557 or by visiting the nearest fire service station.
“Fire can break out in seconds,” the Controller General warned, “but with vigilance and adherence to basic safety measures, many of these incidents are preventable. Lives and livelihoods must always come before celebrations.”
From midnight into the early hours of the New Year, the rapid nationwide response of firefighters reflected a service on constant alert, prepared and committed to saving lives and property, while reinforcing the message that fire safety remains a shared responsibility for all Nigerians.