By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Nigerian Navy has said its swift intervention prevented a major disaster following a late-night fire outbreak at the Nigerian Correctional Service Quarters in Kirikiri, Apapa area of Lagos.
In a press statement the Navy disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on April 22, when a fire broke out in a residential building within the quarters. Preliminary reports indicated that the blaze may have been triggered by the explosion of a gas cylinder, which caused the fire to spread rapidly to a nearby structure.
According to the statement signed by AA Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, personnel from Nigerian Navy Ship WEY, working in collaboration with the Naval Ordnance Depot, responded promptly to the emergency.
The Navy said two fire trucks were immediately deployed to the scene, where officers carried out a coordinated firefighting operation that successfully contained the blaze before it could escalate further. The intervention also helped to limit the spread of the fire ahead of the arrival of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
While two buildings were affected and properties destroyed in the incident, the Navy confirmed that no casualties were recorded as of the time of filing the report.
The service commended the professionalism, courage, and rapid response of its personnel, noting that their timely action averted what could have developed into a larger disaster within the densely populated quarters.
It also used the opportunity to highlight the importance of fire safety awareness, particularly in residential areas, stressing the need for strict adherence to preventive measures involving the use of gas cylinders and other flammable materials.
Reaffirming its role beyond core military duties, the Nigerian Navy stated that it remains committed to supporting civil authorities, including making its logistics and emergency response capabilities available whenever required to safeguard lives and property.
