The Airport Police Command in Lagos has officially confirmed that the fire outbreak at the Old Terminal 1 (Terminal 1) of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) has been fully extinguished.
Normalcy has been restored, and flight operations have resumed without further disruptions. The incident occurred on Monday, February 23, 2026, when flames broke out in a section of the aging terminal building currently undergoing major renovation.
Reports indicate the fire originated from the IT server room on the third floor near the E-wing of the departure lounge, around 3:00–3:30 p.m. local time.
Thick smoke billowed from the affected areas, prompting immediate evacuation and multi-agency emergency response. Swift action by responders including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Airport Police (who deployed a helicopter for support), and other partners contained the blaze.
All 12 personnel in the control tower area were successfully rescued unharmed. While no fatalities were recorded, some sources reported six individuals sustained minor injuries and received treatment; they remain in stable condition.
The fire caused temporary chaos: several flights were diverted, passengers faced delays, and operations at the domestic-focused Terminal 1 were halted for hours. However, the coordinated firefighting efforts prevented spread to critical infrastructure and ensured passenger safety.
In an official statement, the Airport Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Adeola, announced:
“The Airport Police Command, Ikeja, Lagos, is pleased to update the public on the successful containment of the fire outbreak at the Old Terminal 1 building of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).
The fire was fully brought under control and extinguished through the coordinated efforts of all responding agencies.”
FAAN and aviation authorities have reassured travelers that the airport is now fully operational.
Passengers are advised to confirm flight status directly with their airlines, especially for departures from Terminal 1. This quick resolution highlights the effectiveness of Nigeria’s airport emergency protocols amid ongoing upgrades to MMIA facilities.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause to prevent future incidents. Travelers planning flights to or from Lagos should monitor updates from FAAN or airlines for any residual advisories.
