Borno Heatwave Behind Explosions At Giwa Barracks, Say Army, Police

The Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai Joint Taskforce and the Borno State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have confirmed that the fire incident at the Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri, which resulted in multiple explosions in the ammunition section, 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.