The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, personally spearheaded an emergency operation to contain a major fire outbreak at De Bently Hotel in Utako, Abuja, on the night of March 9, 2026. The swift intervention prevented the blaze from consuming the entire facility and protected neighboring properties in the high-density area.

​The Service received a distress call regarding the four-story commercial building at 20:28 hours. Demonstrating remarkable efficiency, personnel from the Wuse Fire Station were mobilized within two minutes, arriving at the scene by 20:38 hours. Under the direct command of the Controller General, crews immediately began tactical firefighting operations to suppress the flames.

​Upon arrival, first responders found the fire ravaging sections of the 500-square-meter structure. Firefighters deployed multiple high-pressure water jets and coordinated several firefighting appliances and water tenders to create a defensive perimeter. Their professional maneuvers successfully brought the inferno under control, halting its progression toward adjoining buildings.

​While a comprehensive investigation is underway, preliminary reports suggest a gas explosion as the likely cause of the incident. Initial damage assessments value the property at approximately ₦1 billion. Thanks to the timely response, an estimated ₦650 million worth of assets were salvaged, though the fire impacted property valued at roughly ₦350 million. Remarkably, no injuries or fatalities were recorded.

​The operation was bolstered by the presence of police patrol teams and auxiliary firefighting units, ensuring security and logistical support throughout the night. CGF Olumode praised the bravery of his team and urged business owners to strictly adhere to fire safety protocols specifically regarding the storage of combustible materials reminding the public that early reporting is the most critical factor in saving lives and property.