The Federal Fire Service, Zone C, Bauchi Command, responded swiftly to a distress call at about 10:10 a.m. on April 11, 2026, concerning a diesel tanker fire at IHS Tower, YMCA, adjacent to Ramadan Printing Press Limited, along Maiduguri Bypass, Bauchi, Bauchi State.
A diesel tanker with registration number RSH-591XE, loaded with 15,000 litres of diesel, caught fire while refilling an MTN storage tanker. The incident was triggered by a metal spark during the refilling process.
In a courageous move, the driver’s assistant, who sustained first-degree burns, managed to drive the burning tanker away from the IHS Tower facilities to an open space. This action helped prevent a major disaster and enabled firefighters to effectively contain the blaze after several hours of operation.
The fire was eventually extinguished using F500 foam compound and water jets deployed from Fire Service appliance FFS 116, with additional support from the Bauchi State Fire Service.
The Acting State Controller, DCF Babangida Mallam Abba, who was present at the scene, commended the prompt and professional response of the Fire Service personnel. He noted that their timely intervention prevented the fire from spreading to critical infrastructure within the IHS Tower. He also stressed the need for strict adherence to safety measures during fuel handling and urged stakeholders to comply with established fire safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
Other agencies present at the scene included the Bauchi State Fire Service, ATBU Fire Service, Nigerian Army Armoured Corps Bauchi, Zaman TV Bauchi, Labari Daga Bauchi Radio, and Albarka Radio.
No lives were lost in the incident. Property valued at approximately ₦300 million was saved, while the estimated loss stood at ₦70 million.
The fire was brought under control, and personnel, along with their equipment, returned to the station at about 1:00 p.m.