By Micah Jonah
January 18, 2026
A massive fire erupted at the Kugbo Furniture Market in Abuja early on Sunday, but firefighters from the Federal Fire Service (FFS) and the FCT Fire Service successfully contained the blaze, preventing further destruction.
The fire, believed to have been caused by an electrical surge, broke out in one of the largest furniture markets in the Federal Capital Territory. The highly flammable materials stored at the market meant the fire could have spread rapidly, posing serious risks to nearby structures and traders.
Authorities said a distress call was received at the FFS Control Room at about 08:37 hours. Firefighters from the Special Unit of the FFS National Headquarters were immediately dispatched, along with two high-power ground monitor appliances. An additional firefighting unit from the Nyanya Fire Station and personnel from the FCT Fire Service quickly joined the response.
The teams battled the inferno for over three hours before finally bringing it under control. Early estimates indicate that properties worth around ₦1.8 billion were saved, even as the overall market value exceeds ₦2 billion.
The rapid response and coordination of the emergency services were credited with preventing a larger catastrophe. Residents and traders expressed relief that the situation was managed without reported casualties.
Officials are urging market traders and the public to exercise caution, ensure electrical installations are regularly checked to prevent similar incidents in the future. Emergency contacts for reporting fires remain 08032003557 for FFS and 112 for the National Emergency Number.
The incident highlights the critical role of emergency services in protecting lives and property in Nigeria’s commercial hubs.
