The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has strongly condemned the violent attack on its personnel during an emergency response in Calabar, Cross River State, describing the act as criminal and detrimental to public safety.
According to a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer and Head of Corporate Services, Deputy Controller of Fire P.O. Abraham, the incident occurred on Sunday, January 11, 2026, when firefighters responded to a distress call at Guldie Street. Upon arrival, the officers were violently attacked by a mob, resulting in several injuries and severe damage to the firefighting appliance, while the fire continued to ravage property.
A viral video from the incident showed firefighters being stoned and obstructed from carrying out their duties, forcing the crew to retreat for their safety. The FFS described the act as “violence, not frustration,” emphasizing that such conduct must be condemned without excuse or justification.
“Firefighters do not create emergencies; they respond to them. Obstructing or delaying their operations only worsens the destruction caused by fire,” the statement read.
The Service explained that perceived delays in response times are often caused by factors such as late reporting of fire incidents, unclear address descriptions, traffic congestion, poor road conditions, and limited water sources. It added that hostility against firefighters does nothing to solve these challenges but rather creates more victims.
The FFS also reminded the public that attacking emergency responders is a serious criminal offence under Nigerian law. Offences include obstruction of emergency workers, willful damage to government property, assault on public officers, conspiracy, mob action, and in severe cases, attempted homicide when dangerous weapons are used.
“Communities must understand that when a fire truck is damaged, it takes time to repair, leaving them vulnerable during future emergencies,” the Service warned.
Highlighting the broad responsibilities of firefighters beyond extinguishing flames, the statement noted that they also rescue trapped persons, investigate causes of fires, advise on prevention, and support insurance and legal processes. Any attempt to block or attack them, it said, undermines rescue efforts, investigations, and justice.
The Service further appealed to communities to cooperate with firefighters by reporting fires early, providing accurate addresses, clearing access routes, managing crowds, and ensuring the safety of emergency responders.
“A community that attacks its firefighters only harms itself,” the statement cautioned. “No responsible authority will continually deploy personnel into hostile environments without proper protection, and such hostility naturally affects response times and effectiveness.”
Concluding the statement, the Controller General of Fire, Olumode S.A., made a strong appeal to residents, youth groups, landlords, and community leaders across the country to desist from such acts and work with firefighters to protect lives and property.
“The fire is the enemy — not the firefighter,” he said. “Nigeria cannot demand protection while endangering those who provide it. The practice of attacking emergency responders must stop immediately.”