Shops at the police barracks, Kawo, Kaduna state have been destoyed by fire.
The fire was ignited by an explosion from a gas cylinder in one of the shops.
More than 10 shops are said to be owned by the police officers’ wives association.
Passersby tried to put out the fire as they awaited the arrival of fire service personnel.
No life was lost to the incident, but valuables costing a fortune were destroyed.