Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has issued a stern safety warning to residents and business operators following a cluster of fire outbreaks in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) linked to electrical surges and overloads. The agency emphasised that many of the incidents were avoidable and urged strict adherence to basic fire safety practices to minimise risk to lives and property.
According to the FFS, at least three major fire outbreaks were reported across the FCT within a 32-hour period, resulting in estimated losses of more than ₦650 million. The most recent blaze 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 call was logged at about 02:51 a.m., prompting rapid deployment of firefighting teams from the FFS Garki Station, with reinforcement from personnel at the Nyanya Station. Firefighters managed to bring the fire under control, successfully saving property valued at about ₦100 million out of roughly ₦400 million at risk before the blaze was contained.
These fires came in quick succession, with the Kugbo Furniture Market fire preceding the Maraba outbreak by approximately 14 hours and the Leventis Plaza fire occurring roughly 18 hours before that. Preliminary assessments by investigators indicate that all three emergencies were triggered by suspected electrical surges and overloading — conditions linked to excessive electrical demand, faulty wiring or failure to disconnect appliances during periods of instability.
Across the three incidents, prompt action by Federal Fire Service responders and supporting agencies reportedly preserved property valued at over ₦2.8 billion, limiting further destruction that could have followed such closely spaced emergencies.
In response to the alarming trend, Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, called on residents and commercial operators to adopt strict electrical safety practices, including avoiding socket overloading, switching off appliances when not in use, and ensuring that electrical installations are maintained by qualified technicians. He emphasised that several of the recent losses — totalling more than ₦650 million in just 32 hours — might have been prevented with basic safety measures.
“These preventable incidents led to significant losses,” the Controller-General said, urging the public to always remain vigilant, exercise sound electrical safety habits, and report emergencies promptly. “Timely call brings timely intervention and reduces loss.”
The Federal Fire Service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property nationwide and encouraged the public to report fires and related emergencies immediately via its emergency contact line on 0803 200 3557 to ensure rapid response and containment.
Fire safety experts say that electrical surges and overloaded circuits are among the most common triggers of urban fire outbreaks, particularly where infrastructure is ageing or improperly maintained, and when multiple high-wattage appliances are used simultaneously on outdated wiring systems. Consistent public education and adherence to safety standards are critical to reducing the risk of such disasters.
As fire outbreaks continue to pose a risk across urban and peri-urban communities in Nigeria, authorities stress that responsible electrical use and early reporting can significantly mitigate losses and save lives.
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