The Airport Police Command in Lagos has confirmed that the fire incident at Old Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport has been completely put out, with flight operations returning to normal.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Adeola, authorities said the blaze, which occurred on Monday, February 23, 2026, was successfully contained after a coordinated emergency response.
The fire had earlier disrupted airport activities, leaving some passengers stranded and forcing the diversion of certain international flights after it impacted operations around the control tower. Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick smoke rising from parts of the terminal as emergency responders worked for hours to bring the situation under control.
Providing an update, the police said stability was restored later that same day.
“The Airport Police Command, Ikeja, Lagos, wishes to inform the public that the fire outbreak at the Old Terminal 1 building of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) has been successfully contained,” the statement noted.
According to Adeola, the fire began in a section of the old terminal building but was eventually extinguished through the joint efforts of all relevant agencies.
He added that calm had been restored before the end of the day.
The command also disclosed that 12 workers who were trapped in areas close to the control tower were safely evacuated.
“All twelve individuals received immediate medical attention, and thankfully, no injuries or fatalities were recorded,” the statement added.
Authorities further confirmed that flight services, which were temporarily affected, have now fully resumed. However, activities have been moved to the new terminal, while Old Terminal 1 remains shut pending further structural assessment and official clearance.
The police commended the swift response of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, medical personnel, and other emergency teams whose combined efforts ensured the situation was managed without loss of life.
Passengers and airport users were advised to seek information from verified official sources as further updates become available.
