Chinedum Treasure
Property worth over N200billion were saved in a fire outbreak at the Federal Secretariat Complex, Awka, Anambra state following prompt response of combined team of Nigerian Security and Civil Defense (NSCDC) and State Fire Service.
The incident which occured around 3pm on Tuesday affected Pharmaceutical Office and adjoining store occupied by staff of Corixus of Nigeria, a pharmaceutical company within the Secretariat.
Confirming the incident, Head, Media and Tactical Ops, NSCDC State Command, SC Okadigbo Edwin said no casualties were recorded in the inferno.
He attributed the possible cause of the incident to power surge, adding that normalcy has since returned at the facility.
He said, “The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, in fulfillment of its core mandate of protecting Critical National, State and Local Government Assets and Infrastructure, has successfully on collaboration with Anambra State Fire Service contained a fire outbreak at the Federal Secretariat Complex, Awka.
“The Command was alerted to the fire outbreak at about 15:00 hours on Tuesday, 18th August, 2026, at the Pharmaceutical Office and adjoining store occupied by staff of Corixus of Nigeria, a pharmaceutical company within the Secretariat.
“Upon receipt of the distress call, the NSCDC Disaster Management Team responded promptly to the scene and in collaboration with the Anambra State Fire Service, the inferno was swiftly brought under control and prevented from spreading to other offices within the complex.
“Due to this timely intervention, property estimated at over N200 billion was saved from destruction. While the actual cause of the fire is still under investigation, preliminary findings suggest a power surge as the likely cause.
“Normalcy has since been restored at the Federal Secretariat and investigations are ongoing.”
Meanwhile, State Commandant, Comdt. Maku Olatunde has commended the gallantry of the Disaster Management Team, urging Ministries, Departments and Agencies to conduct regular electrical audits and adhere strictly to safety protocols.
He said prompt response by the Corps underscored its commitment to safeguarding government facilities and infrastructure across the State.
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