The Federal Fire Service (FFS) and the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) have collaborated to strengthen fire safety and emergency preparedness in custodial facilities across Kano State.

The state Controller of FFS, Kano State Command, Umar Sadiq-Usman, disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit to NCoS, Kano State Command, on Tuesday.

This is contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), FFS, Al-Hassan Ahmad, on Tuesday in Kano.

Mr Ahmad quoted his principal as saying that the visit was part of his engagement with relevant agencies following his deployment to the state.

Mr Sadiq-Usman, a Deputy Controller of Fire, said, “FFS is committed to sustaining and strengthening its partnership with NCoS in the interest of public safety.

“The collaboration will focus on fire prevention, emergency preparedness, fire safety training, risk assessment, and effective response to fire emergencies, particularly in custodial facilities.”

He said FFS would review existing fire safety protocols and mechanisms in custodial centres to identify potential risks and strengthen preparedness for emergencies.

The controller stressed the importance of continued inter-agency collaboration in preventing fire incidents, as well as protecting lives and property.

Earlier, the Controller of Corrections, Kano State Command, Ahmed Yusuf, described FFS as a strategic partner among ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as security and emergency response institutions.

Mr Yusuf said NCoS would cooperate with FFS and facilitate access for authorised personnel to inspect custodial facilities and assess existing fire safety measures.

He said the assessment would enable FFS to make recommendations aimed at improving emergency preparedness in the facilities.

“Effective collaboration between the two agencies will contribute to safeguarding the lives of inmates, correctional personnel, and other persons providing support services within custodial facilities,” he said.

Mr Yusuf added that the partnership would also help protect government infrastructure and property from fire-related incidents. 

(NAN)