The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has called for the establishment of an armed bearing squad to protect firemen from mob attacks at fire scenes and rescue operations.
The Controller General of the Service, Dr. Liman Ibrahim made the call in Abuja at the decoration of some officers who were promoted by the Service.
Briefing newsmen at the ceremony, Dr. Ibrahim lamented that in recent times men of the fire service on rescue missions have suffered attacks at the scenes of fire outbreaks which has caused serious bodily harm and threat to the lives of officers.
He said one of the propositions in the ongoing effort at rejigging the 1963 Fire Service Act was the creation of fire police.
The FFS Boss who described the 1963 act as obsolete noted that the amendment will scale up rescue operations of the service.
He explained that the armed squad unit when created would be saddled with the responsibility of protecting firefighters at fire scenes against hoodlums and miscreants with ulterior motives.
“The issue of fire police has to come in because at times, they (hoodlums) say we come late and we don’t have water but they are only angry that they did not have the opportunity to loot”.
Dr. Liman added that it was risky to go to a fire scene now without security cover and stressed that the Service was also demanding a review of hazard allowance for its personnel because of the high risk officers are exposed to during rescue missions.
“With the nature of hazards faced by our personnel, which in most cases have long term effects, the issue of upward review of hazard allowance needs a serious review to enable them cater for health challenges that may arise from such exposures, we are holding discussions with relevant agencies to address this”, the CG added.
The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore tasked the newly promoted officers to improve on service delivery to Nigerians.
“To whom much is given, much is expected, therefore, this service must step up its functions, the response time must be short, “The future of your service is in your hands, you will have to encourage those who fund you through your service. Therefore step it up“, Dr. Belgore said.
Some of the newly promoted officers appreciated the Minister of Interior for his support with a promise to do justice to their elevation.
A total of 157 officers were promoted in 2020 and 2021 promotion exercise.
Among the promoted officers are four Deputy Controller Generals and 14 Assistant Controller Generals, nine Controllers, 11 Deputy Controllers and 26 Assistant Controllers.
FRCN
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