The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has strongly condemned recent attacks on its personnel during emergency operations in Cross River State, describing such actions as criminal, dangerous, and counterproductive to public safety.
In a statement signed by DCF P.O. Abraham, National Public Relations Officer and Head of Corporate Services, Federal Fire Service, National Headquarters, the Service disclosed that a disturbing incident occurred on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Guldie Street, Calabar, where firefighters responding to a distress call were violently attacked by a mob on arrival at the scene. Several officers sustained injuries, while the firefighting appliance was severely damaged, allowing the fire to continue destroying property unchecked.
The Service also referenced a separate viral video from the state showing firefighters and their fire truck being pelted with stones immediately upon arrival, forcing the crew to withdraw before operations could commence due to safety concerns.
Reacting to the incidents, the Controller-General of Fire, Olumode S.A., stressed that attacks on firefighters are acts of violence, not expressions of frustration, and warned that such conduct is becoming alarmingly frequent and must be unequivocally condemned.
“Firefighters do not cause emergencies; they respond to them. Obstructing or attacking them does not reduce losses—it multiplies them,” the statement said.
Addressing public complaints about perceived response delays, the FFS explained that several operational challenges often affect emergency response times. These include late reporting of fires, unclear address descriptions, traffic congestion, poor road conditions, limited station coverage, inaccessible hydrants, inadequate water supply, and the technical realities of operating specialized emergency equipment. The Service emphasized that none of these challenges can be resolved through hostility or violence.
The FFS further warned that assaulting firefighters or damaging fire appliances constitutes serious criminal offences under Nigerian law. These include obstruction of emergency responders, willful damage to government property, assault on public officers, conspiracy and mob action, and, in severe cases, attempted homicide. It noted that damaging a fire truck deprives entire communities of protection during future emergencies.
Beyond fire suppression, the Service highlighted that firefighters also carry out rescue operations, post-incident investigations, fire safety advisory services, prevention of re-ignition, and support for insurance and legal processes. According to the statement, attacking emergency crews undermines rescue efforts, investigations, insurance claims, and the pursuit of justice.
The FFS urged communities to cooperate with, rather than confront, emergency responders, warning that no responsible authority can continue deploying personnel into hostile environments without adequate protection, a situation that inevitably affects response effectiveness.
For better outcomes, the Service appealed to the public to report fires early, provide accurate addresses, clear access routes, manage crowds, protect emergency responders, and allow firefighters to complete their operations.
In a strong appeal to residents, landlords, youth groups, and community leaders nationwide, the FFS stated: “The fire is the enemy, not the firefighter. Nigeria cannot demand protection while endangering those who provide it. The practice of attacking emergency responders must end immediately.”
