By Sarah NEGEDU
The leadership of the Federal Capital Territory Fire Service says the agency is currently grappling with issues of overstretched assets and limited manpower despite the surge in emergency calls across Abuja.
According to the Controller of the Service, Adebayo Zacchaeus, the service had recorded 338 fire incidents resulting in 18 deaths and the rescue of 69 persons between January and October 2025 alone.
Zacchaeus, who disclosed this at press conference to mark the 23rd anniversary celebration of the FCT Fire Service in Abuja, estimated that properties worth N6 billion were lost in fire incidents during the period, while properties worth over N14.4 billion were however saved.
He added that the service recorded 59 incidents in January, February 64, March 33, April 51, May 31, June 35, July 24, August 21, and 20 in September, with no incident recorded in October.
The Controller maintained that the figures reflect both the scale of the challenge and the resilience of firefighters operating under difficult conditions.
He expressed concern over the declining state of firefighting trucks, describing most of them as overused and aging. “One of our major concerns is the overuse and aging of our firefighting trucks. Many of our trucks have been in service far beyond their optimal lifespan, the cost of keeping them functional through constant maintenance continues to rise, and this is no longer economical.
“Equally pressing is the issue of manpower shortage. The Federal Capital Territory has expanded rapidly in recent years, with many new districts emerging. However, our personnel strength and resources have not grown in proportion to this expansion.”
The Controller appealed for urgent government attention to develop additional fire stations in emerging districts, warning that response gaps in high-risk areas could worsen emergency outcomes. “We are calling for the establishment of more fire stations in key districts such as Wuse, Guzape, Mpape, Jikwoyi, Orozo, Karshi, Karsana, Idu, Karimo, and Lugbe, among others,” he said.
According to him, “each of these locations is critical to the safety network of the ever-growing capital city.”
Zacchaeus also called on residents and stakeholders to prioritize fire safety, especially during the dry season. “We must also be mindful that the dry season is upon us-a
period typically marked by high temperatures, low humidity, dry vegetation, dusty winds, and increased human activity such as bush burning and careless waste disposal. These conditions make fire outbreaks more frequent and more severe.
“I therefore urge all residents to exercise maximum caution: avoid open fires, refrain from burning refuse, and ensure electrical appliances are properly handled. The Fire Service will intensify its Dry Season Fire Prevention Campaigns across estates, communities, and institutions throughout the FCT,” he said.
