Borno Giwa Barracks Explosion Not Terror Attack, Army And Police Confirm

In the early hours of Thursday, multiple explosions occurred at the Giwa Military Barracks in Maiduguri, Borno State, causing public concern. However, the Nigerian Army has now officially stated that these explosions were not the result of any terrorist activity.

According to a press release from Captain Reuben Kovangiya, who serves as the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI, the incident was triggered by high temperatures in the region that caused stored ammunition to detonate.

“The explosion was due to the current high temperatures in Maiduguri, which led to the detonation of some ammunitions,” Captain Kovangiya explained.

He emphasized that the incident was entirely accidental, countering initial public speculations suggesting an attack by insurgents.

Emergency responders from the Borno State Fire Service and additional fire teams from different security agencies acted swiftly to control the fire caused by the explosions.

“The situation has, however, been brought under control with the combined efforts of the Borno State Fire Service Department and fire trucks from various security agencies,” Kovangiya added.

Troops attached to Operation HADIN KAI were immediately deployed to secure the affected area, with the aim of deterring any opportunistic criminal activity in the aftermath of the event.

Similarly, the Borno State Police Command called on residents to remain calm. The police confirmed that initial investigations pointed to a “friendly-fire” occurrence at the military armory, not an external assault.

In a statement made by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, the explosion was classified as an internal detonation.

“Following reports received of explosions heard in Maiduguri, preliminary investigations indicate that the detonation originated from a friendly-fire incident at Giwa Barracks armoury,” Daso stated.

He further reassured the public by confirming there were no signs of a hostile attack and that the security situation in Maiduguri remained stable and under control.