The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has condemned in strong terms the violent attacks on its personnel during emergency operations, drawing attention to a disturbing incident that occurred on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Guldie Street, Calabar, Cross River State. According to the Service, firefighters promptly mobilised to the scene after receiving a distress call, only to be assaulted by a mob on arrival. Several officers sustained injuries, a firefighting appliance was severely damaged, and the fire continued to ravage property unchecked.
The Service also referenced a separate viral video from Cross River State showing firefighters and their fire truck being stoned even before operations could begin, forcing the crew to withdraw for their own safety. The Controller-General of Fire, CGF Olumode S.A., stressed that such actions are not expressions of frustration but acts of violence that are becoming increasingly frequent and must be condemned without excuse or justification. He emphasised that firefighters do not cause emergencies; they respond to them, and any delay or obstruction only worsens destruction and endangers lives.
Addressing concerns over perceived delays in emergency response, the FFS explained that factors such as late reporting, unclear address descriptions, traffic congestion, poor road conditions, limited station coverage, inaccessible hydrants, inadequate water supply, and the operational demands of specialised equipment often affect response time. The Service warned that attacking firefighters is a criminal offence under Nigerian law and may attract charges including obstruction of emergency responders, willful damage to government property, assault on public officers, mob action, and other serious offences. CGF Olumode appealed to communities nationwide to cooperate with emergency responders by reporting fires early, providing accurate information, clearing access routes, managing crowds, and ensuring the safety of firefighters, reiterating that the fire is the enemy — not the firefighter.