Olumode Adeyemi, the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, says cybersecurity has become a critical component of emergency response in the country, cautioning that a single digital breach could delay rescue operations and put lives and property at risk.
Adeyemi, who was recently appointed Controller-General of the Service, was represented by Ijeoma Okidi, the Deputy Controller-General in charge of Policy, Planning, Research, and Statistics, during the 2025 Cyber Security Awareness Day Programme held in Abuja on Friday.
He stated that, the Fire Service’s operations, from dispatch systems to communication and data management, now rely heavily on digital platforms, making cybersecurity “an indispensable pillar of our organisational resilience.
“Every database, every connected device, and every system used in deploying our men to a fire ground must be treated as part of the national security fabric.
A single breach or an act of digital negligence could compromise our capacity, delay our emergency response, and jeopardize the lives and property we are sworn to protect.”
Adeyemi disclosed that the agency’s digital transformation aligns with the Interior Minister’s e-reform mandate, which seeks to automate government services and improve data management across agencies.
According to him, while this has improved operational efficiency, it has also widened exposure to cyber threats.
To prevent data loss or system compromise, he stated that, cybersecurity must now be embraced across all ranks of the Service, stressing that it is no longer the exclusive duty of the ICT unit.
He disclosed that, “Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Every officer must take ownership — from managing passwords securely to complying with data protection protocols. We must treat cybersecurity the same way we treat protective fire gear.”
In addition, he said management would continue to invest in digital infrastructure and continuous training to build a cybersecurity-driven culture within the Service.
Also speaking, the Head of the ICT Unit, Chief Superintendent of Fire Sarah Hassan, said sustained vigilance among officers was crucial to protecting the Service’s systems.
She outlined that, “Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue but a shared responsibility that underpins the effectiveness of our Service. Every officer, from command to field, must remain proactive in safeguarding the systems and information that support our operations.”
Nigeria’s emergency and security agencies are increasingly adopting digital platforms for incident reporting, dispatching personnel, and managing operational data. This shift has improved response time but has also uncovered sensitive systems to cyberattacks, prompting agencies to integrate cybersecurity into front-line operations.
The Federal Fire Service’s cybersecurity push aligns with the Ministry of Interior’s digital reform, which requires agencies to automate internal processes and secure digital assets. With the Service expanding the use of digital dispatch, personnel records, inter-agency communication, and incident data management, securing its digital infrastructure has become critical to uninterrupted emergency response.
