The controller of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Niger Command, AC Alikali Mohammed, says no fewer than 430 fire outbreaks were recorded across different locations in Niger between January and December 2025.

Mr Mohammad disclosed to journalists on Saturday in Minna that officers and men of the command were promptly dispatched to all locations to bring the outbreaks under control.

The controller explained that, apart from containing the disasters, the command also saved lives and property worth several billion naira during the period under review.

Mr Mohammed acknowledged the synergy that had been established between his command and the State Fire Service, adding that it had assisted in combating cases of fire outbreaks in a timely manner.

“We have been collaborating effectively in the course of discharging our statutory functions at the state capital to save the lives and property of the citizens.

“At the end of every last quarter of the year, the command organises a National Fire Safety Week, during which the public is sensitised.

“Visits are made to worship centres, schools, and marketplaces, as well as government organisations to enlighten them on safety precautions in case of any fire outbreaks and what they are supposed to do.

“However, the major challenge we are having is that many people don’t have our emergency lines, and it is good that everybody has it,” he said.

He decried the public’s lukewarm attitude towards fire safety rules and regulations, noting that some disasters could be attributed to negligence.

Mr Mohammed urged the public to always reach out to the command with useful information that would assist it in the optimal discharge of its core mandate.

(NAN)