Fires Hit Abuja 3 Times in 32 Hours, ₦650m Lost

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has sounded a loud alarm over a dangerous spike in fire incidents across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), attributing three devastating outbreaks within just 32 hours to electrical surges and overloading.

The blazes, which struck high-value commercial areas, resulted in estimated direct losses exceeding ₦650 million, even as prompt firefighting efforts saved properties worth over ₦2.8 billion.

The most recent incident unfolded in the early hours of Monday, January 19, 2026, at Corner Shops on Chalyx Close, Abacha Road, Maraba, along the Abuja–Keffi corridor.

Reported at 02:51 hours by ASP Abdulmalik to the FFS National Headquarters Garki Station, the fire engulfed six retail outlets. Station Commander SF Agbo swiftly deployed teams, supported by backup from the Nyanya Station.

Despite the delayed emergency call, responders successfully contained the blaze, preserving property valued at approximately ₦100 million out of an estimated ₦400 million at risk.

This came just 14 hours after a major fire at Kugbo Furniture Market on Sunday, January 18, where flammable materials fueled rapid spread. The FFS, in coordination with other agencies, battled the inferno for hours and saved assets worth about ₦1.8 billion, though significant goods were destroyed in one of the FCT’s largest furniture hubs.

Barely 18 hours earlier, on Saturday, January 17–18, a fire broke out at Leventis Plaza, affecting a tailoring workshop on the first floor.

Suspected to be electrical in origin, the incident was quickly brought under control, preventing spread to adjacent businesses and nearby hotels such as The Palm Hotels and Frazier’s Suites.

Preliminary investigations by the FFS point to electrical surges as the common trigger in all three cases—highlighting widespread issues of overloaded sockets, faulty wiring, and failure to switch off appliances during non-use.

Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, expressed deep concern over the preventable nature of the disasters.

“These incidents, occurring in such a short window, have caused losses amounting to ₦650 million. If someone had simply turned off the switch or avoided overloading sockets, many of these losses could have been avoided,” Adeyemi stated.

He urged residents, shop owners, and business operators to adopt strict electrical safety habits immediately, especially during the harmattan season when dry conditions exacerbate fire risks.

The FFS reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while emphasizing the critical importance of timely reporting.

“Timely call brings timely intervention and reduces loss,” the service noted in its press release.

The public is encouraged to dial the FFS emergency line 0803 200 3557 at the first sign of fire or related hazards for rapid response.

The string of incidents has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of electrical standards in commercial buildings and greater public awareness on fire prevention as Nigeria grapples with increasing urban fire threats. Investigations into the exact causes continue, with the FFS vowing tougher proactive measures to curb future outbreaks.