BREAKING: Fire Engulfs Customs Western Marine Command Office In Lagos

By Samuel Egbewole 

A fire outbreak has engulfed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Western Marine Command office in Apapa, Lagos, destroying property worth millions of naira and prompting a swift response from officers on duty and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.

The incident occurred at about 10:23 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, with the fire reportedly starting from an electrical surge in the conference room before spreading to other sections of the building.

Officers on duty immediately made efforts to contain the blaze before personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived at about 10:45 a.m. to join the firefighting operation.

The newly resumed Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Timothy Jonah, who had just taken over the affairs of the Command from his predecessor, described the incident as unfortunate.

Jonah said he had barely resumed duty when he was confronted with the fire outbreak, adding that the incident would also provide an opportunity to strengthen the Command’s operations.

*Officials of the Lagos State Fire Service at the Western Marine Command office gutted by fire on Monday.

“I just resumed duty to take over, only to witness this fire outbreak.”

“Every challenge, though negative, is an opportunity to strengthen our operations.”

“In the meantime, we will set up a committee to investigate the cause of the fire.”

The Deputy Comptroller commended the officers on duty for their swift response and collaboration with the fire service.

He said measures would be taken to strengthen safety protocols and prevent a recurrence.