Nigerian Army Says Giwa Barracks Explosion Was Caused By Intense Heat, Not Terrorist Attack In Maiduguri
The Nigerian Army has explained that the explosion that occurred in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Wednesday night was not a terrorist attack but the accidental detonation of munitions triggered by extreme heat at one of its facilities.
According to a press statement issued by the Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI and signed by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, the incident occurred at an ammunition storage facility located within Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri.
The Army explained that the explosion was triggered by the “current high temperatures in Maiduguri which led to the explosion of some munitions.”
According to the statement, the situation was quickly brought under control through the efforts of the Borno State Fire Service Department and support from other security agencies.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI were immediately deployed to secure the area and prevent miscreants from exploiting the incident.
“The general public is therefore urged to please discountenance any speculation of an attack within the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and remain calm,” the statement read.
The Army urged residents to go about their normal activities and disregard rumours suggesting the explosion was linked to an attack.
Meanwhile, SaharaReporters had reported on Wednesday night that explosions believed to be bomb blasts had struck Maiduguri, prompting fear and a scramble for safety among residents.
Eyewitnesses reported that the blast occurred around midnight on Wednesday, May 1, 2025, disrupting the midnight calm and sending shockwaves through nearby communities.
Unconfirmed reports indicated the explosion may have resulted from a fire at the Giwa Barracks armoury.
Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scenes as people fled their homes, with initial speculations suggesting the explosion might be an attack by the Boko Haram terrorist group.
