EVALUATING PUBLIC PERCEPTION AND AWARENESS OF THE FEDERAL FIRE SERVICE’S ROLE IN STRENGTHENING NATIONAL SECURITY IN ABUJA, NIGERIA
Usman Yakubu, I.G Umaru, PhD and Usman David
Volume 5 Issue 2
Abstract
valuating Public Perception and Awareness of the Federal Fire Service’s Role in Strengthening National Security in Abuja, Nigeria. Despite the Federal Fire Service’s (FFS) statutory mandate to prevent and manage fire emergencies and contribute to national security, public perception of its effectiveness in Abuja remains limited. Persistent challenges such as inadequate manpower, outdated equipment, slow response times, and weak community engagement have eroded public trust. These issues are exacerbated by insufficient sensitization efforts and fragmented communication, especially in high-risk and underserved areas, undermining the FFS’s legitimacy and operational impact. The study aims to identify key factors influencing public attitudes and cooperation with the FFS in Abuja. It evaluates residents’ knowledge of fire safety practices and the FFS’s responsibilities, examines attitudes toward the Service’s role in national security, and proposes strategies to enhance public trust and institutional effectiveness. The research is anchored in public trust theory, complemented by insights from risk communication and protection motivation theories. A descriptive cross sectional survey design was used, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Keywords: Federal Fire Service, Public Perception, National Security, Fire Safety Awareness, Community Engagement
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