How Quick Intervention Averted Another Fuel Tanker Explosion In Niger

A swift intervention prevented another tragedy after a fuel tanker traveling from Lagos to Kano overturned in the Takalafiya community along the Lapai-Lambata road in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State early Sunday morning.

It was learnt the incident occurred around 8:00 a.m.

However, it was gathered the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, IBBUL, community, Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Lapai chapter Fire Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), quickly mobilized to the scene.

The authorities mobilized to the scene to assist in managing the situation to prevent possible fire out break.

Eyewitnesses said some spilled fuel was recovered and reloaded into drums to prevent wastage and environmental hazards in the area.

When contacted, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, through it’s Director of Information and Linkages, Dr. Ibrahim Hussaini confirmed the development.

He told our Correspondent that the tanker overturned along the Lapai Lambata road even as the quick intervention by the various groups saved lost of lives.

According to him, “The incident occurred this morning. We thank God, there is no casualties due to intervention of the Fire Service, NSCDC, members of NUPENG who were on hand to ensure the situation is brought to control ”

Recall this is happening barely six days after a petrol tanker overturned and spilled its contents in Essa community in Katcha local government area, which residents attempted to scoop, resulting in a massive explosion.

The incident which occurred on Tuesday 21 October, 2025 has so far claimed over 57 lives and left about 52 receiving treatment in various hospitals.