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Interior Minister Seeks Fire Service Reform
Interior Minister Seeks Fire Service Reform
By: Michael Mike
Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called for urgent reform of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), including a new legal framework to empower it and open the sector to private participation.
Speaking at the Ministry of Interior Mid-Tenure/2025 Sectoral Performance Retreat held at Zuma Rock Resorts in Suleja, Niger State, the Minister described the current Fire Service Act of 1963 as “obsolete and inadequate,” stressing that it neither reflects today’s realities nor gives the FFS prosecutorial or regulatory powers.
He said: “By law today, the fire service cannot prosecute, cannot enumerate, and cannot even regulate. When a government agency lacks prosecution, regulation and enforcement powers, it becomes a toothless dog.”
The Minister argued that Nigeria’s growing population and booming economy require modern fire and rescue services, which cannot be funded by government alone. “Government cannot keep buying fire trucks abroad. Just as we license private guard companies, we must begin to license private firefighting and rescue companies,” he declared.
He added that private sector involvement in firefighting is standard practice in advanced economies such as Japan, China and the United States, noting that Nigeria must adopt similar models to protect lives, businesses and investments.
Tunji-Ojo noted that effective emergency response is critical for investor confidence, adding that: “No serious investor will put money in a country where there is no emergency response system. Most fire incidents could have been avoided with immediate response.”
He revealed that his ministry was already in discussions with the National Assembly on amending the Fire Service Act to bring the law in line with global best practices and empower the FFS with regulatory authority.
The Minister said beyond fire service reform, it was bad to frequently redeploy officers across unrelated units in paramilitary agencies, describing it as wasteful and counterproductive.
He said: “If you spend one year in border management and are suddenly moved to finance or HR, capacity building suffers. Officers should be allowed to build careers along their areas of expertise. National security requires specialization, not generalization.”
Tunji-Ojo called for structured career progression paths within the Interior Ministry’s agencies, particularly for officers in border management, migration and HR, to ensure institutional knowledge and continuity.
He insisted that emergency services are central to national security and economic stability, noting that in the US and UK, emergency medical services are under the fire service, adding that this is what we must aim for. “If we fail in emergency response, we fail the economy.@
The Minister urged lawmakers, stakeholders and the private sector to join forces with government in transforming the nation’s fire and rescue framework, describing it as a prerequisite for safety, investment and sustainable growth.
Interior Minister Seeks Fire Service Reform
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
By: Michael Mike
A human rights organisation, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd./Gte. (SOJA), has condemned the reported abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident and the alleged killing of a teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, as “a case too many.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group expressed deep concern over reports that armed attackers abducted teachers and students from schools within the council area around May 15, 2026, while Mr. Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, was reportedly killed during the incident.
The organisation said several victims were still believed to be in captivity awaiting rescue.
SOJA, led by its Founder and Executive Director, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, commiserated with the affected families and communities, warning that repeated attacks on schools and civilians across parts of the country were becoming alarming.
According to the advocacy group, the incident, if confirmed, raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns under both Nigerian law and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, SOJA stressed that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” while Sections 33, 34 and 35 guarantee the rights to life, dignity and personal liberty.
The group also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under several international and regional legal frameworks, including the United Nations-backed International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
SOJA argued that the obligations imposed by these instruments go beyond symbolic commitments, requiring authorities to take practical and preventive steps to protect lives, especially those of vulnerable groups such as school children and teachers.
“The implication of these obligations in the present circumstances is that government responsibility extends beyond merely reacting after tragic events occur,” the statement said.
The organisation acknowledged reports that security agencies had intensified rescue operations and investigations, but maintained that recurring attacks on schools demanded more decisive and proactive measures.
“This is a case too many,” the statement added.
SOJA therefore called for the immediate intensification of lawful rescue efforts for those still in captivity, a thorough investigation into the incident, prosecution of perpetrators, strengthened security around schools and vulnerable communities, and adequate support for affected victims and families.
The group further urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of strategies aimed at preventing future attacks on educational institutions.
“Teachers should not become targets. Schools should not become zones of fear. Children should not bear the burden of insecurity,” the organisation stated.
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace have recovered a suspected stolen motorcycle following a pursuit of suspected motorcycle snatchers in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on May 21 along the Bachi-Banghai road after troops received reports on the activities of suspected motorcycle snatchers in the area.
The sources said the troops immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects, who abandoned the motorcycle and fled upon sighting the security personnel.
According to the sources, the recovered motorcycle has been secured, while efforts were ongoing to identify the rightful owner and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The military said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to combat criminal activities and enhance security across Plateau.
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace have launched a rescue operation following the abduction of a resident in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on May 21 when gunmen reportedly abducted Mr Eze Emeka from his residence at Agingi village.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the distress report and commenced rescue operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the sources, efforts were ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victim.
The military assured residents that security forces were intensifying operations to curb criminal activities in the area.
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
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