The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has condemned the rising incidents of criminals, hoodlums and touts who attack firemen and their equipment while attending to fire emergencies.
He stated that the Service has now developed the capacity to effectively contain and deter them.
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Aregbesola disclosed this at the decoration of newly promoted Deputy Controller Generals (DCGs) of the Service in Abuja on Wednesday.
A statement by the Minister’s media aide, Sola Fasure, on Wednesday night, quoted the Minister as saying, “One sad reoccurring phenomenon is touts and miscreants attacking firemen and their equipment whenever they respond to fire emergencies.
“This is deplorable and totally condemned. For this purpose, we have worked out modalities on armed escorts accompanying firemen on assignment, for the protection of their lives and the equipment.”
‘587 lives saved’
He however said the Federal Fire Service (FFS) saved properties worth N18.9 trillion while saving 587 lives and rescuing 260 people from raging fire in 2021.
“Last year, the FSS responded to 2,845 SOS distress-calls in which 136 lives and property worth N3 trillion were lost.
“But the FSS was able to save 587 lives, rescue 260 persons and save property worth N18.9 trillion.
“In sum, the stock of the FSS has grown in leaps and bounds as the agency has contributed significantly to national security – in the protection of lives and property.”
The minister said the achievements were made possible because President Muhamadu Buhari’s government had committed more resources into the FFS than since its creation in 1901.
Aregbesola congratulated the newly decorated DCGs, stating that DCG Karibo Samson will continue to lead in an acting capacity until a substantive Controller General is appointed.
“I will like to congratulate the newly appointed Acting CG and DCGs being decorated today – Karibo Samson, Jaji Olola Abdulganiyu, Agunloye Teslim Oluokun and Agu Callistus Kanny (rtd).
“Samson will mount the saddle of the service in an acting capacity until a substantive CG is appointed.
“It is of particular interest to me when the Acting CG said he joined the service as a fireman. It means the service is an equal opportunity employer; every fireman has the potential to become the CG,” the Minister noted.
Responding on behalf of newly promoted officers, Acting CG of the Federal Fire Service, DCG Karibo Samson thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the confidence reposed in them, stating they won’t disappoint Nigerians in discharging the statutory responsibility to the public.
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