Tag: Federal Fire Service

The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Samuel Olumode Adeyemi has declared that effective fire services across Nigeria depends largely on available technology innovations and infrastructures. 

He said the Federal Fire Service would prioritise the strengthening of its digital infrastructures and ensure the training of its personnel to achieve maximum results in fire fighting and rescue operations. 

Adeyemi said the FFS would commit its resources to deployments of digital assets that can stand the test of time in fire fighting in line with global best practices and standards.

He added that attention would focus on infrastructures that would prevent data loss and cause security breaches, noting that  compromised data could hamper efficient fire service delivery in Nigeria.

The Fire Service boss spoke during the 2025 Cyber Security Awareness Day organised by the Information and communication Technology (ICT), Unit of the Federal Fire Service, (FFS).

The programme had the theme: “Advancing the Cause of Cyber Security in the Operations of Federal Fire Service and Sustainable Practice Among Personnel.”

He said there is a critical connection between cyber security and effective fire service delivery,  pointing out that it is an integral component of fire service delivery.

The Fire Service boss said the significance of cyber security in today’s technologically advancing world, stating that “this core mission is now inextricably linked to the security of our digital infrastructure. 

Adeyemi, who was represented by the Deputy Controller General in Charge of Policy , Planning, Research and Statistics, (PPRS), Ijeoma Okidi, said that the Federal Fire Service’s digital transformation aligns with the Ministry of Interior’s e-reform mandate and enhances operational efficiency.

Read Also: Fire incidents: Federal Fire Service begins audit of buildings for safety

He however warned of the new responsibilities that come with the reforms saying, “I urge every officer to take personal ownership of digital security.”

While commending the ICT Unit and the planning committee for championing the digital revolution in line with the recent charge of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo during the launch of the INTERAS, (Interior Electronic Records and Archiving System), platform, Adeyemi encouraged personnel to integrate knowledge from the program into their daily activities. 

The Controller General stressed that cyber security is a shared responsibility within the service, saying that the management of the FFS is fully committed to improving digital defenses,.

The Head of the ICT Unit, Chief Superintendent of Fire, (CSF) Sarah Hassan said the commitment of stakeholders remain paramount to the success of the organisation, stressing that such commitment is needed to drive a safer and more resilient environment.

“Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue but a shared responsibility that underpins the effectiveness of our Service. 

“Every officer from command to field must remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the systems and information that supports our operations,” She stated. 

Participants at the event were drawn from the Nigerian Army, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigerian Correctional Service, (NCoS), amongst others institutions. 

Piqued by incessant disasters across the country, the Federal Fire Service (FFS) has commenced initiatives to audit public and private buildings to ensure compliance with building regulations and the safety of lives and properties.

The Controller General of the FFS, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, has inaugurated a Special Task Force on Public and Private Buildings Audit to carry out the assignments.

Adeyemi said the Task Force became necessary considering recent developments in Nigeria, where lives and properties were being lost to fire incidents that could not have happened in the first place if those concerned had adhered strictly to building regulations.

Adeyemi, who performed the inauguration at the Service Headquarters in Abuja, made references to the recent Afriland tower fire disaster in Lagos and the infernos that gutted several plazas in Abuja. He said the development is unacceptable and should be stopped through a proactive mechanism.

“The frequency of these incidents underscores the urgency of enforcing safety standards. Fire safety is not a choice but a shared responsibility,” the Controller General said.

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He said the Task Force should immediately begin mapping public buildings across the country, classifying them by risk levels, inspecting compliance, and submitting actionable recommendations to guide enforcement and policy decisions.

The Task Force is chaired by Assistant Controller General Bolarinde Muhammed, Head of the Inspection, Investigation, and Enforcement Department. It also comprises senior officers from Operations, Legal, and Public Relations units of the Service.

The Controller General urged members of the Task Force to carry out their mandate with professionalism and integrity. He also called on property owners and managers of high-rise and public facilities to cooperate fully with the audit team.

Adeyemi expressed the commitment of the Service to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructures across the country, emphasising that prevention of fire disasters through compliance was now non-negotiable.

• …extends condolences to deceased families

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident that claimed the lives of three individuals following a collision between one of its firefighting trucks and a Toyota Camry in Wuse, Abuja, on Friday night.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the FFS offered its sincere apologies and condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the incident as a profound loss. The lone survivor of the crash is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in the city and is reportedly responding well.

According to the Controller of the Federal Capital Territory Fire Service, Momodu Ganiyu, the crash occurred around 11 p.m at NITEL Junction in Wuse 2 when a rescue truck collided with the Camry, killing three young passengers and leaving one critically injured.

The FFS acknowledged the grief of the affected families and the tragic loss of promising lives, assuring the public of its commitment to ensuring such incidents are avoided in the future. It also offered prayers for the swift recovery of the surviving victim.

“As a service, we are sorry for the unfortunate incident that claimed the lives of three teenagers. We know that it is a difficult time for their family to cope, considering the age range of the children involved in this fatal accident.

Read Also: Fake job scandal: Federal Fire Service vows prosecution of racketeers

“The Federal Fire Service is aware that losing one’s children is a deeply painful experience that marks the radical change of the family’s life and involves a wide range of sad emotions,” Ganiyu said.

Ganiyu explained that the accident occurred during a firefighting operation at Avenue Plaza, Banex, when one of the fire trucks, having exhausted its water supply, was en route to refill. Operating at high speed with its siren blaring, the truck collided with the Toyota Camry, which was emerging from a connecting street at the junction.

He said, “We want to categorically state that at the time of the incident, the Controller-General (CG) was out of town and could not be immediately reached due to network issues. Upon being informed, the CG promptly returned to Abuja to meet with the affected families.

“He has since ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident and will personally lead a delegation to convey condolences to the bereaved families.

“While a dedicated team has been set up to investigate the tragic incident, the driver has since been detained by the police, while those at the FCT rescue centre have also been suspended until the investigation is concluded.”

The Federal Fire Service reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property and expressed its deepest sympathy to all those affected by this heartbreaking event.

The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji, on Monday, narrated how five job seekers made their ways into Federal Government payrolls with fake appointment letters, lamenting the desperate method employed by scammers to defraud innocent citizens.

The FFS boss, however said those involved in the job racketeering and illicit method of recruitment into the Service would be prosecuted in the court.

He advised Nigerians seeking employment with the FFS to always go through the right channels which are often published in newspapers.

Engr. Jaji, in a statement issued in Abuja, expressed deep concern over the rising cases of job racketeering involving unscrupulous agents who deceive desperate job seekers with fake appointment and invitation letters.

He warned scammers to desist from dragging the name of the FFS in the mud.

He emphasised that the FFS never and would never authorise any third parties to conduct recruitment on its behalf and reiterated that all official processes are handled transparently through recognised government platforms.

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Furthermore, the FFS boss made it clear that anyone caught presenting forged documents in a bid to secure employment would face immediate arrest and prosecution. The Service lamented the damage such actions inflict on its credibility and the emotional and financial toll they take on victims.

He said, “Let me shock you, the Federal Fire Service, through its vigilant oversight, uncovered five names of desperate job seekers who managed to insert themselves into the IPPIS list without having any original invitation or appointment letters.

“On behalf of the Board, I challenge anyone in possession of a genuine appointment letter who claims to have been unjustly denied the opportunity to come forward with it.

“The truth is we were extremely thorough with the entire recruitment process. In fact, we went as far as inviting those individuals who illicitly made it onto the IPPIS platform, and they openly confessed to engaging in underground dealings.

“Every possible loophole was sealed—we meticulously cross-checked the original master list against both the final documented list and the IPPIS entries.

“Interestingly, when we uncovered and seized several of these fake letters, we made the strategic decision to quietly suspend the documentation process without any public announcement.

“To our surprise, the fraudsters—completely unaware of our move—went ahead and printed even more fake letters. We could only watch and laugh, knowing they had already exposed themselves”, Engr Jaji said.

While reaffirming the Service’s commitment to integrity, Engr. Jaji called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. He further assured that genuine opportunities within the agency will always be publicly announced through proper, verifiable channels.

He said: “Each time we are made aware of the alarming rise in fake recruitment activities being carried out by fraudsters, we take it upon ourselves to promptly alert Nigerians—particularly desperate job seekers—that these fraudulent recruitment claims into the Service are not from us. “We strongly warn the public to be cautious and avoid engaging with these scammers who falsely present themselves as representatives of the Federal Fire Service.

“Referring to the recently concluded recruitment exercise, it’s worth recalling that the immediate past Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Ja’afaru Ahmed, issued an official statement urging candidates to check their status on the Board’s portal, cdcfib.career, on the designated date in December 2024.

“The Board had specifically advised applicants for the FFS recruitment to visit the portal to confirm their final selection and download their invitation letters directly.

“Having made this clear, anyone claiming to have been invited for documentation but whose name does not appear on the official master list has, without a doubt, fallen victim to scammers.

“It is disheartening that despite repeated warnings, some job seekers continue to willingly fall into the hands of fraudsters who go as far as creating fake websites, selling bogus recruitment forms, and extorting large sums of money under the guise of processing employment.

Engr. Jaji said the Service has consistently emphasised—through the CDCFIB—that the entire recruitment process into the four paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior is completely free, with no payments required at any stage.

“As a matter of fact, several fake invitation letters, SMS messages, and emails were intercepted. Shockingly, even after the new Secretary of the Board assumed office, some individuals still showed up with forged letters falsely bearing the name of the former Secretary.

“It is truly disheartening that job seekers who willingly engage with individuals who call, send suspicious links via text messages, and even request payments through provided account details, later turn around to petition the Service when things go wrong.

“The Federal Fire Service, under my watch, is built on a foundation of hard-earned integrity, and we will do everything necessary to safeguard that reputation.

“On this note, I appeal to those with genuine complaints to support our efforts by submitting the account details, names, and phone numbers of those involved for immediate and decisive action,” he said.

The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Abdulganiyu Jaji, has revealed how five job seekers fraudulently secured placement on the Federal Government payroll using fake appointment letters, decrying the desperate tactics of scammers targeting innocent Nigerians.

Jaji, in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, condemned the rising cases of job racketeering and vowed that those involved in the illicit recruitment schemes would be prosecuted.

He urged Nigerians seeking employment with the Federal Fire Service to follow only the official recruitment channels, which are properly announced through national newspapers and authorised government platforms.

Expressing deep concern over the growing trend, Jaji warned fraudsters against tarnishing the image of the FFS, stressing that the Service has never authorised any third-party agents to handle recruitment exercises.

He emphasised that all recruitment processes are conducted transparently and strictly through recognised government systems.

The FFS boss also warned that anyone caught submitting forged documents in a bid to gain employment would be immediately arrested and prosecuted.

He lamented the damage such illegal activities cause to the Service’s credibility and the emotional and financial suffering inflicted on unsuspecting victims.

He said, “Let me shock you, the Federal Fire Service, through its vigilant oversight, uncovered five names of desperate job seekers who managed to insert themselves into the IPPIS list without having any original invitation or appointment letters.

“On behalf of the Board, I challenge anyone in possession of a genuine appointment letter who claims to have been unjustly denied the opportunity to come forward with it.”

“The truth is, we were extremely thorough with the entire recruitment process. In fact, we went as far as inviting those individuals who illicitly made it onto the IPPIS platform, and they openly confessed to engaging in underground dealings. Every possible loophole was sealed—we meticulously cross-checked the original master list against both the final documented list and the IPPIS entries.

“Interestingly, when we uncovered and seized several of these fake letters, we made the strategic decision to quietly suspend the documentation process without any public announcement.

“To our surprise, the fraudsters, completely unaware of our move, went ahead and printed even more fake letters. We could only watch and laugh, knowing they had already exposed themselves”, Jaji said.

While reaffirming the service commitment to integrity, Jaji called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. He further assured that genuine opportunities within the agency will always be publicly announced through proper, verifiable channels.

He said: “Each time we are made aware of the alarming rise in fake recruitment activities being carried out by fraudsters, we take it upon ourselves to promptly alert Nigerians, particularly desperate job seekers, that these fraudulent recruitment claims into the Service are not from us. We strongly warn the public to be cautious and avoid engaging with these scammers who falsely present themselves as representatives of the Federal Fire Service.

“Referring to the recently concluded recruitment exercise, it’s worth recalling that the immediate past Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Ja’afaru Ahmed, issued an official statement urging candidates to check their status on the Board’s portal, cdcfib. career, on the designated date in December 2024.

“The Board had specifically advised applicants for the Federal Fire Service (FFS) recruitment to visit the portal to confirm their final selection and download their invitation letters directly.”

“Having made this clear, anyone claiming to have been invited for documentation but whose name does not appear on the official master list has, without a doubt, fallen victim to scammers.

“It is disheartening that, despite repeated warnings, some job seekers continue to willingly fall into the hands of fraudsters who go as far as creating fake websites, selling bogus recruitment forms, and extorting large sums of money under the guise of processing employment.

Read Also: Federal fire service launches safety campaign

“We have consistently emphasised—through the CDCFIB—that the entire recruitment process into the four paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior is completely free, with no payments required at any stage.

“As a matter of fact, several fake invitation letters, SMS messages, and emails were intercepted. Shockingly, even after the new Secretary of the Board assumed office, some individuals still showed up with forged letters falsely bearing the name of the former Secretary.

“It is truly disheartening that job seekers who willingly engage with individuals who call, send suspicious links via text messages, and even request payments through provided account details, later turn around to petition the Service when things go wrong.

“The Federal Fire Service, under my watch, is built on a foundation of hard-earned integrity, and we will do everything necessary to safeguard that reputation. On this note, I appeal to those with genuine complaints to support our efforts by submitting the account details, names, and phone numbers of those involved for immediate and decisive action.”

Ahead of the Ramadan period nationwide, the Federal Fire Service (FFS) has launched a comprehensive safety campaign, urging householders to exercise extra caution in their homes and on the roads throughout the period. 

The initiative, spearheaded by the Controller General , Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji, become necessary as Muslims faithfuls prepare for the month of fasting, prayers, and community engagements.

Jaji said the Ramadan, which would begin on March 1, is a period of spiritual reflection, with Muslims fasting during the day and later break their fast in the evening (iftar) and before dawn (suhoor). 

 He emphasised that the circumstances of the period, coupled with the traditional preparation of deep-fried foods, can significantly increase the risk of fire-related incidents in homes.

In a statement, the FFS boss reminded Nigerians of the dangers associated with cooking late at night or early in the morning during Ramadan. 

He said: “Fasting can sometimes cause lower concentration levels, especially when individuals are hungry, tired, and dehydrated. This, combined with the distractions and busy kitchens during Ramadan, makes fire hazards more prevalent”.

Read Also: NAICOM, Federal Fire Service partner to enforce fire insurance policy

He said the Service is particularly concerned about the increased fire risks posed by cooking practices and late-night fatigue.

 “We understand that cooking is central to Ramadan, and that many households prepare traditional dishes for iftar. However, it’s crucial to be aware that the combination of late-night cooking, fatigue, and distractions can lead to dangerous accidents,” Jaji warned.

Among the key safety tips provided by the Fire boss are that “it’s essential to never leave cooking unattended. If it’s necessary to step away, always ensure that the stove or hob is turned off. He also urged people to keep children away from the kitchen to prevent accidental spills or burns.

According to him, “Safety extends to personal attire as well, with the Fire Service recommending that individuals, especially women, avoid wearing loose clothing or flowing garments like jubbas, as these can easily catch fire. Instead, they should tie back sleeves and wear aprons for added protection. 

“In addition, extra caution should be taken when frying, with oil temperatures being closely monitored. Overheating oil can cause fires, and in the event of an oil fire, water should never be used to extinguish it. Instead, a fire blanket or a damp cloth should be used.

“It’s equally important to keep cooking areas clear of flammable items such as dishcloths, packaging, or paper towels, which should always be kept well away from heat sources”, Engr Jaji advised. 

 Jaji also stressed the importance of testing smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are in good working order.

 If a household does not have a smoke alarm, Engr Jaji encouraged residents to book a home fire safety check to ensure their homes are properly equipped.

He also urged residents to remain cautious on the roads during Ramadan, noting that changes in daily routines could increase the likelihood of road traffic accidents. “The period of Ramadan can bring about shifts in daily schedules, increasing the risk of fire and road traffic incidents. We urge everyone to stay vigilant both in the kitchen and on the roads,” he said.

The FFS boss promised to expand the initiative with a promise to make its fire safety advice widely available through community , market and religious leaders, aiming to reach at-risk groups and ensure a safe and joyful Ramadan for all.

 “We are committed to reaching as many people as possible with these vital safety tips, especially in the run-up to Ramadan, to ensure everyone stays safe and can celebrate without incident,” Engr. Jaji said 

In the event of a fire, the Fire Service boss reminded residents of the crucial steps to take.

He added that by spreading these essential safety messages, the Federal Fire Service hoped to minimise the risks associated with Ramadan celebrations and ensure a safe and secure environment for all.