The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed that a fire outbreak at Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport resulted in six casualties today, February 23, 2026.
The incident, which sparked immediate emergency operations, caused temporary disruption to airport services and prompted rapid mobilization of firefighting and rescue teams.
In a statement released this evening, FAAN explained that once the fire alarm was raised, all emergency response protocols were immediately activated.
Coordinated efforts by firefighting units, rescue personnel, and airport safety teams were swiftly deployed to contain the fire outbreak and safeguard lives.
The agency emphasized that quick action prevented the situation from escalating further.
A total of fourteen individuals who were initially trapped inside the affected facility were successfully rescued.
To facilitate the operation, a crane was deployed to the Control Tower area, allowing personnel to access critical parts of the terminal safely. All rescued individuals were evacuated without further injury.
FAAN reported that six casualties — three men and three women — were recorded in connection with the fire outbreak.
All casualties are currently stable, with one affected individual transferred to the FAAN Headquarters Hospital for additional medical evaluation.
Authorities confirmed that the patient remains in stable condition under medical supervision.
As an extra safety precaution, the sixth floor of Terminal 1 was fully evacuated to support ongoing emergency operations and mitigate risks associated with the fire outbreak.
FAAN noted that these measures are part of established safety protocols designed to protect both human lives and critical infrastructure.
Preliminary findings from the Fire Service suggest that the blaze originated from the server room on the first floor of Terminal 1.
The fire quickly spread into parts of the departure hall before responders contained it.
While the fire is now largely under control, emergency teams continue close monitoring to prevent any further spread to adjoining sections of the terminal.
The fire outbreak prompted the temporary closure of the airport’s airspace to ensure the safety of incoming and outgoing flights.
In response, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency is establishing a temporary Control Tower to facilitate the safe and timely restoration of airport operations.
FAAN assured the public that flight operations will resume as soon as conditions are deemed safe.
Throughout the incident, FAAN emphasized that all emergency procedures were promptly activated.
The agency worked in close collaboration with relevant support and emergency services to protect lives, maintain operational integrity, and prevent additional damage from the fire outbreak.
Eyewitness accounts described the scene as chaotic but noted the professionalism of emergency personnel.
Passengers and airport staff were evacuated in an orderly fashion, and access to the terminal was restricted to allow firefighters and safety teams to operate efficiently.
FAAN reiterated that the safety of passengers and airport personnel remains the organization’s top priority during the incident.
The authority also confirmed that investigations into the cause of the fire outbreak are ongoing.
Early indications point to the server room as the source, but a detailed forensic review is being conducted to establish the exact cause.
FAAN stated that lessons learned from this incident will guide future emergency planning and safety measures at the airport.
In addition to firefighting efforts, medical teams were on standby throughout the operation.
Six casualties received prompt medical attention, and continuous monitoring is being provided to ensure no delayed injuries arise.
The quick response of emergency personnel is credited with preventing a more serious disaster at one of Nigeria’s busiest airports.
FAAN concluded its statement by assuring the public that all necessary measures are in place to restore normal airport operations.
Collaboration with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and other relevant authorities ensures that Terminal 1 and its adjoining facilities remain safe and secure for travelers.
The agency thanked all emergency responders for their swift and professional response to the fire outbreak.
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