PRESS RELEASE STOP ATTACKING FIREFIGHTERS — SUCH ACTS ARE CRIMINAL AND ENDANGER COMMUNITIES- CGF OLUMODE S.A The Federal Fire Service has drawn public attention to a disturbing incident that occurred on Sunday, 11th January, 2026 during an emergency response at Guldie Street, Calabar, Cross River State. Upon receipt of a distress call, firefighting personnel immediately mobilized to the scene. However, on arrival, the responding officers were violently attacked by a mob. Several personnel sustained injuries, and the firefighting appliance was severely damaged, while the fire continued to consume property unabated. A separate viral video from Cross River State showed firefighters and their fire truck being stoned on arrival before operations could even commence. The crew was eventually forced to withdraw for their own safety. Such conduct is not a show of frustration; it is violence, and it is becoming alarmingly frequent. These actions must be condemned without hesitation, excuse, or justification. Firefighters do not create emergencies; they respond to them. Delaying or obstructing their operations does not reduce the damage caused by fire. It multiplies it. WHY APPARENT DELAYS OCCUR Where there appears to be delay in response, several real-life factors come into play, including: * Late reporting of fires and unclear address descriptions * Traffic congestion and poor road conditions, which hinder heavy trucks * Limited coverage where one station serves multiple communities * Inaccessible hydrants and insufficient water sources * Operational realities of specialized emergency equipment None of these challenges are solved by hostility. Violence does not improve response time; it creates more victims. ATTACKING FIREFIGHTERS IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE Assaulting firefighters and damaging fire appliances constitute serious offences under Nigerian law, including: * Obstruction of emergency responders * Willful damage to government property * Assault on public officers * Conspiracy and mob action * Attempted homicide where dangerous weapons are used Communities must note that a damaged truck kept in repair deprives them of protection when future emergencies occur. FIREFIGHTERS SERVE BEYOND FIRE SUPPRESSION The duties of firefighters extend beyond extinguishing flames. They include: 1. Protecting life and property 2. Rescuing trapped or endangered persons 3. Conducting post-incident and origin investigations 4. Advising on safety and preventing recurrence 5. Dampening embers to prevent re-ignition 6. Supporting insurance and legal processes Blocking or attacking emergency crews sabotages rescue, investigation, prevention, insurance claims, and justice. COMMUNITIES MUST COOPERATE, NOT CONFRONT RESPONDERS A community that attacks its firefighters directly harms itself. No responsible authority will continually deploy personnel into hostile environments without adequate protection, and such hostility naturally impacts response times and effectiveness. For improved outcomes, communities are urged to: * Report fires early * Provide accurate addresses * Clear access routes * Manage crowds * Protect emergency responders * Allow full completion of operations Firefighting is a hazardous profession requiring skill, discipline, and cooperation, not confrontation. A STRONG APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC The Federal Fire Service makes a decisive appeal to residents, landlords, youth groups, and community leaders across the country: The fire is the enemy — not the firefighter. Nigeria can not demand protection while simultaneously endangering those who provide it. The practice of attacking emergency responders must end immediately. Signed, DCF P.O. Abraham, Mphil,MLCG,BL,LLB,ANIPR National PRO / Head, Corporate Services Federal Fire Service, National Headquarters 12/1/2026

PRESS RELEASE STOP ATTACKING FIREFIGHTERS — SUCH ACTS ARE CRIMINAL AND ENDANGER COMMUNITIES- CGF OLUMODE S.A The Federal Fire Service has drawn public attention to a disturbing incident that occurred on Sunday, 11th January, 2026 during an emergency response at Guldie Street, Calabar, Cross River State. Upon receipt of a distress call, firefighting personnel immediately mobilized to the scene. However, on arrival, the responding officers were violently attacked by a mob. Several personnel sustained injuries, and the firefighting appliance was severely damaged, while the fire continued to consume property unabated. A separate viral video from Cross River State showed firefighters and their fire truck being stoned on arrival before operations could even commence. The crew was eventually forced to withdraw for their own safety. Such conduct is not a show of frustration; it is violence, and it is becoming alarmingly frequent. These actions must be condemned without hesitation, excuse, or justification. Firefighters do not create emergencies; they respond to them. Delaying or obstructing their operations does not reduce the damage caused by fire. It multiplies it. WHY APPARENT DELAYS OCCUR Where there appears to be delay in response, several real-life factors come into play, including: * Late reporting of fires and unclear address descriptions * Traffic congestion and poor road conditions, which hinder heavy trucks * Limited coverage where one station serves multiple communities * Inaccessible hydrants and insufficient water sources * Operational realities of specialized emergency equipment None of these challenges are solved by hostility. Violence does not improve response time; it creates more victims. ATTACKING FIREFIGHTERS IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE Assaulting firefighters and damaging fire appliances constitute serious offences under Nigerian law, including: * Obstruction of emergency responders * Willful damage to government property * Assault on public officers * Conspiracy and mob action * Attempted homicide where dangerous weapons are used Communities must note that a damaged truck kept in repair deprives them of protection when future emergencies occur. FIREFIGHTERS SERVE BEYOND FIRE SUPPRESSION The duties of firefighters extend beyond extinguishing flames. They include: 1. Protecting life and property 2. Rescuing trapped or endangered persons 3. Conducting post-incident and origin investigations 4. Advising on safety and preventing recurrence 5. Dampening embers to prevent re-ignition 6. Supporting insurance and legal processes Blocking or attacking emergency crews sabotages rescue, investigation, prevention, insurance claims, and justice. COMMUNITIES MUST COOPERATE, NOT CONFRONT RESPONDERS A community that attacks its firefighters directly harms itself. No responsible authority will continually deploy personnel into hostile environments without adequate protection, and such hostility naturally impacts response times and effectiveness. For improved outcomes, communities are urged to: * Report fires early * Provide accurate addresses * Clear access routes * Manage crowds * Protect emergency responders * Allow full completion of operations Firefighting is a hazardous profession requiring skill, discipline, and cooperation, not confrontation. A STRONG APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC The Federal Fire Service makes a decisive appeal to residents, landlords, youth groups, and community leaders across the country: The fire is the enemy — not the firefighter. Nigeria can not demand protection while simultaneously endangering those who provide it. The practice of attacking emergency responders must end immediately. Signed, DCF P.O. Abraham, Mphil,MLCG,BL,LLB,ANIPR National PRO / Head, Corporate Services Federal Fire Service, National Headquarters 12/1/2026