Heroic Firefighters Save Jabi Lake Mall From Ruin: Federal Fire Service Contains Massive Blaze, Prevents ₦94 Billion Loss
By SANI BATURE
ABUJA’S skyline was lit up by flames on Wednesday night as a major fire broke out at the Adidas Store in Jabi Lake Mall, one of the capital’s busiest shopping destinations. But what could have been a devastating tragedy turned into a story of courage, coordination, and professionalism — thanks to the Federal Fire Service (FFS).
According to the FFS, its personnel fought relentlessly for more than six hours to bring the inferno under control, ultimately saving goods worth approximately ₦94 billion out of an estimated ₦100 billion pre-incident stock.
🚒 A Fierce Battle Against the Flames
Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Adeyemi Samuel (FCNA, ACTI), praised his officers for their gallantry, describing their response as a demonstration of the Service’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
“The bravery and professionalism of our men reflect the Service’s renewed focus on operational excellence and community safety,” Samuel said.
The operation — led by Crew Commander S.F. Agbo — involved personnel from FFS 75, FFS 88, and FFS 164, with crucial reinforcement from the Julius Berger Fire Service.
According to the FFS National PRO and Head of Corporate Services, Abraham Mphil, who shared updates on X (formerly Twitter), the coordinated efforts ensured that the flames were confined to the Adidas section, preventing a catastrophic spread to other areas of the upscale mall.
“Thanks to their timely intervention, the inferno was contained within the affected store, sparing the rest of the mall from destruction,” Abraham wrote. “Their courage and speed saved billions in merchandise and infrastructure.”
⚠️ A Wake-Up Call for Fire Safety
While commending his team, the FFS Controller General used the opportunity to remind business owners, facility managers, and households of the critical importance of fire prevention.
He advised that routine electrical inspections, avoiding overloaded circuits, and unplugging appliances after work hours should become standard practice.
“Installing fire detection and suppression systems is not a luxury — it’s a necessity,” Samuel emphasised. “Every building, especially malls, warehouses, and offices, must be equipped for early detection and rapid response.”
The agency also encouraged organizations — both private and public — to train their staff in basic fire safety techniques, maintain clear emergency exits, and report electrical faults immediately to prevent future disasters.
🔥 A Year of Alarming Fire Incidents
The Jabi Lake Mall incident comes amid a worrying rise in commercial fire outbreaks across the country. In September, parts of Lagos Island were engulfed in flames when the Central Plaza shopping complex and nearby Afriland Tower were both gutted within hours of each other.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as traders and shoppers raced through thick smoke, attempting to salvage goods while firefighters battled collapsing structures and intense heat.
The FFS says these incidents serve as a sobering reminder of how electrical negligence, overcrowded structures, and poor maintenance continue to threaten lives and livelihoods nationwide.
💪 Courage Under Pressure
Despite these challenges, the Federal Fire Service has reaffirmed its readiness to respond swiftly to emergencies and its commitment to continuous training and equipment upgrades.
For the men and women who fought the Jabi Lake Mall blaze, their night’s work was more than a duty — it was a mission to protect the nation’s heartbeat of commerce and community.
As Controller General Samuel put it, “Their courage ensured that what could have been a national tragedy became a story of resilience and triumph.”
