NCoS, Federal Fire Service Partner to Train Inmates as Fire Marshals | ClipTV Online

Fire outbreak has been a critical issue affecting communities locally and internationally especially during dry season. It is not a thing that outbreak occurs in correctional facilities. In order to enhance fire safety and prevention in correctional facilities, Assistant Controller General (ACG) Opeyemi Fatinikun, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), paid a courtesy visit to the Federal Fire Service, Zone F, Lagos.

The visit highlight the commitment and collaboration that should exist between NCoS and the Fire Service.

During the visit, ACG Fatinikun commended the Federal Fire Service for its prompt response to fire incidents. He further sought their assistance in preventing fire outbreaks across the eleven custodial centers under his jurisdiction. He highlighted the need for fire safety training for NCoS officers.

Furthermore, he proposed that officers and selected inmates could be trained as fire marshals. He stated it will improve emergency response within correctional facilities.

NCoS for Fire Safety

In response, Assistant Comptroller General, ACG Ijeoma Achi, the first female officer to head the Federal Fire Service, Zone F, warmly welcomed ACG Fatinikun and his team. She assured the NCoS of unwavering support in tackling fire safety challenges and promised to provide necessary firefighting tools. She also pledged training to aid fire management efforts in correctional centers.

ACG Achi applaud Fatinikun’s proactive leadership. She further note, “fire safety is overlooked in custodial centers despite its critical importance,” she said. Achi state, “very few correctional service top leaders will take this approach,” hailing Fatinikun.

She also noted the need for every household to have fire extinguisher and fire blanket as part of basic safety measures.

Strengthening Fire Management

The meeting reinforced the importance of collaboration between the Federal Fire Service and the NCoS, with both agencies agreeing that effective fire management requires continuous training, preventive measures, and emergency preparedness.

The training of selected inmates and correctional officers as fire marshals is expected to significantly improve fire safety awareness and response in custodial centers, ensuring the protection of both inmates and facility staff.

This initiative marks a new era of inter-agency cooperation aimed at enhancing safety and security within Nigeria’s correctional system.