Hussaini Ibrahim 
BORNO, Nigeria – A massive fire tears through the popular Kayat Restaurant on Polo Road in Maiduguri, destroying a significant portion of the building and triggering a swift multi-agency emergency response.
The blaze, which starts around 11 a.m. on Sunday, sends thick smoke across the area as firefighters and police race to contain the destruction.
Eyewitnesses describe scenes of tension as flames spread rapidly before emergency teams arrive. “A significant part of the place was still burning when I passed,” says witness Umar Abdullahi, who reports seeing firefighters battling persistent hotspots.
Another resident, Martina Joseph, notes that responders quickly secured the area, adding, “They controlled movement professionally. Only the building and some materials were affected.”
The Borno State Police Command confirms active rescue and containment operations. According to its spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, personnel from the GRA police division are supporting firefighting teams on the ground.
The cause of the fire remains unknown and attempts to reach officials from the Federal Fire Service in Borno are unsuccessful as of press time.
No casualties have been reported, but the full extent of property damage is still being assessed.
The blaze adds to concerns over recurring fire incidents across Nigerian commercial centres, many linked to electrical faults, ageing infrastructure, or human error. Business owners in Maiduguri fear further losses if fire-prevention enforcement is not strengthened.
Authorities are expected to launch an investigation to establish the source of the inferno and determine whether safety protocols were violated.
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Korede Abdullah 
Chukwu Obinna 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Otamere Gladness