Navy Averts Major Disaster as Midnight Fire Guts Kirikiri Building
A swift and coordinated response by the Nigerian Navy prevented a potentially devastating fire outbreak at the Nigerian Correctional Service Quarters in Kirikiri, Apapa area of Lagos State late Wednesday night.
The incident, which occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on April 22, 2026, reportedly began following the explosion of a gas cylinder in a residential building within the quarters. The resulting fire spread rapidly to a nearby structure, raising fears of a wider catastrophe in the densely populated facility.
Naval personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) WEY, working in collaboration with the Naval Ordnance Depot (NOD), responded promptly to the emergency. Two fire trucks were immediately deployed to the scene, where officers engaged in an intensive firefighting operation that successfully contained the blaze.
The rapid intervention by the naval team curtailed the spread of the fire before the arrival of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, effectively limiting the scale of destruction.
Although two buildings were affected and properties lost in the incident, no casualties were recorded as of the time of filing this report.
The Nigerian Navy has commended the professionalism, courage, and operational readiness of its personnel, noting that their timely action prevented what could have escalated into a major disaster.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns around fire safety, particularly in residential environments where gas-related hazards are prevalent. Authorities have reiterated the need for heightened awareness and strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to supporting civil authorities in emergency situations, emphasizing its readiness to deploy resources and personnel in safeguarding lives and property across the country.
By TimesNG