By TROOPS of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, in a heroic display of action and coordination on Wednesday, averted a potential fire disaster in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
A fuel tanker transporting premium motor spirit (PMS), locally called petrol, had overturned at the busy Rumuokwuta Roundabout.
The fuel tanker
The incident, which sparked fears of explosion in the heart of the oil city, would have caused tragedies of monumental proportion, but for the immediate intervention of the army and other emergency agencies.
The incident occurred when the tanker lost control and flipped over, leaking its highly flammable content onto the road, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, said in a statement obtained by Stonix News on Wednesday.
He said that as panic ensued among residents and motorists to get away from the potential explosion, troops of the 760 Transport Battalion, under the 6 Division, within minutes, were mobilized to the scene.
Troops arriving with their truck
He said working alongside other security and emergency services, the troops were able to cordone off the area and implemented preventive measures to secure the scene such that no life was lost or property destroyed.
The statement reads this: “In a significant push towards improving the already existing Civil-Military relations in its area of responsibility, troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army averted what would have been a major inferno in Port Harcourt, today 23 October 2024.
“This was following a reported case of a tanker carrying premium motor spirit that had fallen at Rumuokwuta Roundabout in Port Harcourt.
Rescue operation ongoing
“Consequently, the Acting Commanding Officer, 760 Transport Battalion, Major Almustapha Shawwal Adams swiftly mobilised and led the 6 Division Fire Crew to the scene to prevent any fire outbreak.
“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.
“Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam has commended troops for the swift response.
“He reassured the good people of Rivers State and environs of the resolve of the Division under his watch to continue to carry out people-centric operations.
“This, he further maintained, is in line with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja command philosophy.”
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