The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has strongly condemned a mob attack on its personnel during an emergency response in Calabar, Cross River State, describing the incident as disturbing and increasingly common.

According to the Service, the attack occurred on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Goldie Street, Calabar, when firefighters responded to a distress call. Upon arrival, the officers were allegedly assaulted by an angry mob, resulting in injuries to several personnel and significant damage to a fire appliance, while the fire continued to destroy property unchecked.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, DCF P.O. Abraham, on behalf of the Controller-General of Fire, Olumode S.A., the FFS said its officers mobilised promptly after receiving the emergency call but were met with violence instead of cooperation.

The Service also referenced a separate viral video from Cross River State showing firefighters and their truck being stoned upon arrival at another incident scene, forcing the crew to withdraw for their safety before firefighting operations could begin.

Condemning the attacks, the Fire Service stressed that such actions are not expressions of frustration but criminal violence. It warned that assaults on emergency responders are becoming alarmingly frequent and must be unequivocally rejected.

The Controller-General emphasised that firefighters do not cause emergencies but respond to them, noting that obstructing or attacking responders only worsens damage and increases the risk to lives and property.

Addressing public complaints about perceived delays in response time, the Service explained that challenges often include late reporting of fires, vague address descriptions, traffic congestion, poor road conditions, limited station coverage, inaccessible hydrants, and inadequate water supply. It stressed that hostility toward firefighters does nothing to resolve these issues.

The FFS further warned that attacking firefighters and damaging firefighting equipment constitutes serious criminal offences under Nigerian law, including obstruction of emergency responders, willful destruction of government property, and assault on public officers. It added that a damaged fire truck reduces the Service’s ability to respond to future emergencies, placing entire communities at risk.

Highlighting the broader role of firefighters, the Service said their responsibilities extend beyond extinguishing fires to include rescue operations, protection of life and property, post-incident investigations, and support for insurance and legal processes.

Calling for public cooperation, the FFS stated that communities that attack emergency responders ultimately endanger themselves. It warned that no responsible authority can continue to deploy personnel into hostile environments without adequate security.

In a strong appeal, the Service declared: “The fire is the enemy — not the firefighter.” It concluded by insisting that Nigeria cannot demand protection while simultaneously endangering those tasked with providing it.

Earlier, the Commanding Officer of the Federal Fire Service in Cross River State, Olumayowa Olomola, confirmed the incident, explaining that firefighters were deployed to the Goldie axis of Calabar following a request from the Cross River State Fire Service, which reportedly lacked the capacity to handle the emergency at the time.