News
Twenty-four hours After Major Fire Incident Left 10 Dead, 30 Others Injured, FFS Adverted Another Inferno
Twenty-four hours After Major Fire Incident Left 10 Dead, 30 Others Injured, FFS Adverted Another Inferno
By: Michael Mike
Want could have been another major fire disaster was averted on Thursday by officers of the Federal Fire Service.
Twenty-four hours earlier at the same spot at Karu Bridge on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway a CNG tanker tumbled causing a major conflagration that claimed ten lives and destruction of vehicles and property put at a cost of several millions of Naira.
The latest incident which could have resulted in lost of the same magnitude was averted by the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Engr. Jaji Abduganiyu Thursday as he swiftly led his team to fight off the danger.
It was gathered that just as the CG and his team were at the site of the Karu bridge horrific Wednesday’s gas explosion to survey the wreckage, he encountered another emergency—another trailer, carrying fertilizer lost its brakes and overturned, blocking the already congested highway.
The Fire Service boss, who confirmed that two people lost their lives in the fresh truck accident at Karu Bridge on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway—the same location where Wednesday’s deadly explosion occurred,
said: “While responding to the latest incident, my team and I noticed a severe risk lurking nearby. A fuel tanker, caught in the chaos of the previous accidents, had begun spilling its dangerous contents onto the hot asphalt under the scorching sun.
“The potential for an explosion was high, especially with the other vehicles in the vicinity, which could ignite the volatile fuel.
“Recognising the danger, I immediately alerted the nearest fire station for backup and directed my team to act quickly. They swiftly deployed foam compound over the fuel spill, effectively containing the threat and preventing a catastrophic blaze.
“This quick and decisive action by my dogged firefighters undoubtedly saved lives and kept the situation from spiraling into an even greater disaster.”
The Controller General expressed his deepest condolences to the victims and their families and called for heightened caution on the highways, particularly in such high-risk zones.
He said: “We must remain vigilant and prepared to respond rapidly to prevent further loss of life,” while calling for proactive safety measures in the wake of such tragedies.
He said: “Thanks to the expertise and professionalism of the Federal Fire Service, a second disaster was averted, and safety was restored to the accident site, bringing some relief to the harrowing situation.
“The Federal Fire Service remains committed to responding swiftly to any emergencies, ensuring that such devastating events do not lead to even worse consequences.
On Wednesday’s incident, he said: “So far, we gathered that over 30 victims sustained varying degrees of burns, with some transferred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Keffi, and Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja for intensive care.”
Twenty-four hours After Major Fire Incident Left 10 Dead, 30 Others Injured, FFS Adverted Another Inferno
Military
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the critical role of Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) in strengthening discipline, leadership and operational effectiveness across the Nigerian Army.
The COAS made the remarks on Friday during the commissioning of the newly constructed 6 Division Regimental Sergeant Major’s House in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026).
Speaking at the event, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu described RSMs as the backbone of regimental administration and custodians of discipline, standards and morale within the Army.
He said the provision of dedicated accommodation for RSMs was not merely a welfare initiative but a strategic investment aimed at enhancing leadership at the unit level and improving operational efficiency.
According to the Army Chief, RSMs play a vital role in translating command directives into action, maintaining troop cohesion and ensuring effective implementation of operational orders across various theatres of operation.
He added that the senior non-commissioned officers also serve as the crucial link between officers and soldiers, fostering professionalism, mutual trust and esprit de corps within formations and units.
Shaibu noted that the influence of RSMs in mentoring soldiers, enforcing discipline and sustaining troop morale remains indispensable to the success of military operations.
He stressed that providing conducive accommodation for key regimental leaders would enhance their ability to discharge their responsibilities effectively and contribute to improved operational readiness.
The COAS reiterated that under his “Soldier First” philosophy, the welfare of personnel, particularly those occupying critical leadership positions, remains a top priority.
He maintained that sustained investment in welfare infrastructure and leadership development would continue to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to remain a resilient, professional and combat-ready force capable of addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have intercepted a herd of cattle found grazing in a restricted area in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops of Sector 4 OPEP responded to a report of illegal grazing at about 3:30 p.m. on Friday in Nyerwie village.
The sources said that upon arrival at the location, the troops found a herd of cattle grazing in the restricted area.
The herders reportedly fled into nearby bushes on sighting the troops, abandoning the livestock.
The intercepted cattle were subsequently moved to a secure location for necessary administrative action, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing herders, the sources said.
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two suspected vandals in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State for allegedly stealing construction materials from an ongoing road construction site.
Security sources said the suspects, identified as Arin Itse, 21, and Agwom Christopher, 19, were arrested at about 9:30 a.m. on Friday during a routine patrol by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, along the Kwanga road in Jos North.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted while in possession of iron rods suspected to have been stolen from a road construction company handling an ongoing project in the area.
According to the sources, the suspects were taken into custody for further investigation, while the recovered iron rods were handed over to the construction company.
The sources added that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft and whether other persons were involved.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
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