The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has raised alarm over a worrying rise in fire incidents linked to electrical surges and overloading, following three major outbreaks within a 32-hour span in the Federal Capital Territory, causing estimated losses of over ₦650 million.
The most recent fire occurred in the early hours of Monday, 19 January 2026, at Corner Shops, Chalyx Close, Abacha Road, Maraba along the Abuja–Keffi axis, affecting six retail outlets. The emergency was reported at 02:51 hours by ASP Abdulmalik to the FFS National Headquarters, Garki Station. Station Commander SF Agbo immediately deployed response teams, with backup support from the FFS Nyanya Station.
Despite the late notification, firefighters successfully contained the blaze, saving property valued at approximately ₦100 million out of the ₦400 million exposed to the fire.
This incident came just 14 hours after the KUGBO Furniture Market fire and 18 hours after the LEVENTIS Plaza fire. Preliminary investigations suggest that electrical surges were the likely cause in all three cases.
Thanks to swift intervention by FFS personnel and supporting agencies, properties worth over ₦2.8 billion were preserved across the three emergencies.
Commenting on the trend, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, MBA, MDRM, FCNA, ACTI, urged residents and business operators to prioritize electrical safety by switching off appliances when not in use and avoiding socket overloading.
“These preventable incidents resulted in losses of ₦650 million in just 32 hours. Many of these could have been avoided with simple safety measures,” he said.
The Federal Fire Service reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, calling on the public to observe basic fire safety practices to prevent disasters.
“Timely reporting ensures timely intervention and reduces loss,” the statement added.
The public is urged to report fires and emergencies immediately via 0803 200 3557 for prompt response by the Federal Fire Service.