As the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) prepares for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Federal Fire Service (FFS) has announced a major operational surge to safeguard residents. With a force of over 3,000 personnel now on high alert, the service is launching a comprehensive safety initiative to mitigate the heightened fire risks that traditionally accompany the festive season.
By Kelechi Ogunleye
Abuja, Dec. 23, 2025 (NAN)
Muhammad Anas, Controller of the FFS FCT Command, has declared the service’s full readiness, unveiling the ‘Yuletide Operation Swift Response to Emergencies’. The initiative was formally launched during a briefing with all Station Commanders at the FCT Command Headquarters, signaling a coordinated, territory-wide preparedness effort.
“Our mandate is clear: to ensure the safety of every life and property during this period of celebration,” stated Controller Anas. He detailed the operational backbone of the plan, noting that the FCT’s 24 fire stations are fully manned and equipped. The deployment of over 3,000 functional personnel represents a significant commitment, aimed at ensuring rapid response capabilities across the sprawling capital territory.
The operational directive comes directly from the FFS Controller-General, Samuel Olumode, who has mandated that all firefighting apparatus—from trucks to specialized equipment—be maintained at 100% readiness. “The chemical foam must be intact, water cached to the right level, vehicles sound, and men available,” Controller Anas emphasized, outlining the non-negotiable standards for the holiday period. This level of preparedness is crucial, as festive activities often see an increase in electrical faults, cooking fires, and accidents related to decorations and lighting.
Beyond Firefighting: A Holistic Emergency Service
In a significant expansion of the public’s understanding of the fire service’s role, Controller Anas highlighted its function as an all-hazards response agency. He urged residents to view the FFS as a first line of defense for various emergencies, not just fires.
“Even if your animals fall into a well, you should be able to call the fire service,” he said, illustrating the breadth of their rescue capabilities. This includes road traffic accident extrication, drowning incidents, and other technical rescues. To facilitate this, he provided the critical contact numbers: the direct emergency line 080-3200-3557 and the toll-free number 112.
He offered a vital piece of proactive advice: “Anywhere you are within the FCT, try to locate or familiarise yourself with the nearest fire station. Get their contact number. This preemptive knowledge will save crucial minutes during an emergency, far more effectively than scrambling for information after a crisis has begun.”
Public Partnership: The First Line of Defense is Prevention
While the FFS ramps up its response readiness, Controller Anas stressed that public vigilance is the most effective tool for safety. He focused on a common yet dangerous holiday practice: leaving homes unattended with appliances still connected to power.
“It is cheaper to prevent fire than to fight fire,” he cautioned. “As you travel for the holidays, do not merely switch off your appliances. Disconnect them from the socket entirely. This simple action eliminates the risk of electrical surges, faulty wiring, or overheating devices sparking a blaze in an empty home.”
Other unmentioned but critical festive safety tips include keeping Christmas trees well-watered if real, ensuring decorative lights carry safety certifications and are not overloaded on circuits, and exercising extreme caution when cooking with oil or using generators.
Controller Anas concluded by commending the dedication of his personnel and urging them to maintain the highest levels of alertness. He extended warm seasonal wishes to all FCT residents for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous, safe New Year.
The ‘Yuletide Operation Swift Response’ stands as a reminder that a joyful celebration is, first and foremost, a safe one. The partnership between a prepared public and a vigilant fire service is the surest formula for achieving it.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
KAYC/YMU
Edited by Yakubu Uba
