Explosion rocks Army barracks in Borno

Just In: Explosion rocks Army barracks in Borno

 Heavy sounds from Giwa Barrack in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, sent residents into confusion in the early hours of Thursday.

The deafening blast and red flares in the sky forced residents of polo, fori, GRA, Unimaid and others out on the streets in fear of possible Boko Haram attack.

However, the Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai Joint Taskforce and the Borno State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have disclosed that the fire incident was caused by current high temperatures in the State capital.

A statement issued to journalists in Maiduguri on Thursday morning by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nahum Kenneth Daso, said the incident was not an enemy attack at the facility, adding that security situation in the State remains firmly under control.

The PPRO said, “Following reports received of explosions heard in Maiduguri. Preliminary investigations indicate that the detonation originated from a friendly-fire incident at Giwa Barracks armoury.

“No enemy attack recorded, and the security situation remains firmly under control.

“Security forces, EOD Experts and the fire service are currently on the scene working to extinguish the resulting blaze. We call on members of the public to remain calm, as the situation is under control.

“Further details and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”

In a similar vein, the Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai has released a statement confirming the cause of the explosions at Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri.

According to the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command Operation Hadin Kai, the explosions were caused by “the current high temperatures in Maiduguri”, which led to the explosion of ordnance in one of their ammunition storage facilities.

The statement said the situation has been brought under control with the combined efforts of the Borno State Fire Service Department and other fire trucks from security agencies.

“Troops of Operation Hadi Kai have been deployed to protect the public and prevent any exploitation of the situation,” the spokesman stated.

The Army urged the general public to “please discountenance any speculation of an attack within the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and remain calm,” the statement added.

However, Borno State Police command, in a statement said it was a fire outbreak in the ammunition facility of the Barrack and advised the public to remain calm.

“On 30 April 2025 at 10:30 PM, a fire broke out in the ammunition facility at Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri. The fire incident affected some munitions to detonate, resulting in loud bangs.

“A combined security and fire-service response team arrived promptly on scene and successfully extinguished the fire. Preliminary investigations indicated that the unusually high ambient temperatures in Maiduguri at this time of year may have contributed to the outbreak.

“The command calls on all members of the public to remain calm and should not panic as the situation is now fully under control” said the spokesman, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso

Also, the Directorate of Borno Fire Service, said in a statement that a combined team of first responders from the Nigerian Army Fire Service, Federal Fire Service and Borno State Fire Service have duly reported at the scene.

“However, there may be secondary explosions which may disturb the neighbourhood around the barracks. Members of the public should not panic on hearing loud bangs.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the intense heat in Madiguri around this time of the year may have triggered or conflagrate the fire. However, the combined team of firefighters are on top of the situation”

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