Nigeria Army averts petrol tanker fire explosion in Rivers

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — A tragic petrol tanker fire explosion was on Wednesday averted in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital following the swift and decisive response from troops of the Nigerian Army, 6 Division, over a petrol tanker accident at Rumuokwuta Roundabout.

The incident occurred when a tanker laden with 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit lost its balance and fell at the first roundabout under the Rumuokwuta flyover, spilling its content into the road and surrounding drainages, and posing a threat to lives and properties.

It took the invention of the Nigerian Army fire crew led by the Acting Commanding Officer of the 760 Transport Battalion, Nigerian Army 6 Division, Major Almustapha Shawwal Adams, to ensure safety and prevent fire outbreak.

The crew who collaborated with other agencies, including operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Rivers State Fire Service, swiftly cordoned off the scene with tapes, while deploying fire-fighting equipment and fire preventive drills.

Speaking on the development, the General Officer Commanding, Nigerian Army 6 Division Port Harcourt, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for the swift response.

Abdussalam assured the people of Rivers State and environs of the resolve of the Division under his watch to continue to carry out people-centric operations, in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

He said, “This operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting lives and property, aligned with the Chief of Army Staff’s philosophy.

“The operation which was conducted with sister agencies ensured all safety and security protocols were strictly observed. The area was cordoned off and all the necessary preventive drills were carried out. Fortunately, no life or property was lost as the situation was subtly brought under control.

“The fire prevention response by the 6 Division Fire Service was done in fulfillment of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to effective Civil-Military Relations and the Division’s efforts in supporting host communities.”