The Federal Fire Service (FFS), Abuja, has commended its men who put their lives on the line to successfully contain a major fire outbreak at the Adidas Store in Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja, preventing what could have been the total loss of the multi-billion-naira establishment.

Controller General, Federal Fire Service, Olumode Adeyemi Samuel, (FCNA, ACTI), also showered encomium on the officers for their bravery and dedication, noting that their exemplary performance reflects the Service’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the nation.

In a post shared on X on Thursday, National PRO / Head, Corporate Services, Federal Fire Service, Abuja, Abraham, Mphil, the fire, which lasted for over six hours, was brought under control through the combined efforts of Federal Fire Service (FFS )75, FFS 88, and FFS 164 and support from the Julius Berger Fire Service. According to him, the operation, led by Crew Commander S.F. Agbo, showcased high-level coordination, skill, and professionalism.

‘Thanks to the timely intervention of the firefighters, the inferno was confined to the affected section of the mall, averting its spread to adjoining areas. Their swift action helped salvage goods worth approximately ₦94 billion from an estimated ₦100 billion pre-incident stock,” he wrote on X.

The Federal Fire Service further urges the public, particularly business owners, facility managers, and household heads, to adopt the following preventive measures to reduce fire risks by conducting routine electrical inspections and avoiding overloading electrical circuits.

He urged individuals to install fire detection and suppression systems, especially in malls, warehouses, and offices. More importantly, the need to switch off and unplug appliances after business hours has been mandated by the Federal Fire Service.

Besides, the commission urged private and federal government parastatals to train staff in basic fire response techniques, keep emergency exits clear at all times, and report electrical sparks or burning smells immediately.

Recall that Lagos Island descended into chaos in September after Central Plaza, a popular shopping complex on Broad Street, was engulfed in flames, just hours after another blaze tore through the nearby Afriland Tower. The inferno at Central Plaza reportedly broke out around 7:40 pm, spreading rapidly through the multi-storey building.

An eyewitness account said part of the structure collapsed while several people were still trapped inside, leaving emergency responders scrambling to rescue victims. Eyewitness accounts painted a harrowing picture of traders and shoppers caught in the panic. Traders were seen darting through thick smoke and falling debris in frantic attempts to salvage their goods before the fire consumed their shops.