‘Giwa Barracks Explosions Triggered By Excessive Heat’

The Theatre Commander Operation Hadin Kai Joint Taskforce North-east, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, disclosed yesterday that the explosions that rocked Giwa Barracks ammunition storage on Wednesday night in Maiduguri were caused by excessive heat at the facility.

The Theatre Commander made the disclosure to journalists at the Command and Control Centre of Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the Giwa Barracks explosions caused serious panic among residents of Maiduguri, who thought that the Boko Haram terrorists had attacked the city, as the loud bangs lasted for over three hours before being brought under control.

It could be recalled that in March 2014, at the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency, the terrorists invaded the Giwa Barracks, during which many detainees escaped from the detention facility there before the military overpowered the invading terrorists.

In his disclosure,  the Theatre Commander, said at approximately 23:30 hours on April 30, 2025, a significant explosion occurred at one of its ammunition storage facilities situated within Giwa Barracks.

“ This incident caused widespread panic among the local populace. The explosion was due to the intense heat currently prevailing in Borno and other regions of the country, which had a direct impact on the storage facility. Fortunately, the situation was swiftly brought under control through the collaborative efforts of military fire fighters, the Federal Fire Service and the Borno State Fire Service Department and various fire-fighting vehicles from security agencies. Civilians in the immediate vicinity were also relocated to prevent any harm to the public.

“Furthermore, the Air Component, Operation Hadin Kai and the Nigerian Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command conducted aerial surveillance over the incident scene and the surrounding areas of Maiduguri Metropolis.

“ This allowed them to determine the extent of the explosion and guide rescue efforts. Additionally, troops from Operation Hadin Kai were strategically deployed to prevent any potential misuse of the situation by criminals and to safeguard law-abiding citizens.

“ The Chief Executive Officer of the State was immediately informed and all established protocols in emergencies like this strictly adhered to. Going forward, we would be conducting a comprehensive review of all storage facilities to mitigate the effect of the current high temperature being experienced.

“ It is instructive to also state that no lives were lost nor injuries reported. Operation Hadin Kai remains a people centric operation with the primary focus of protecting the lives and property of our dear citizens. Thank you for your patience,” the Theatre Commander said.

Meanwhile, the deputy governor of Borno State, Umar Kadafur, this morning paid a visit to the Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri following the heavy explosion that occurred last night due to a fire outbreak at the barracks’ armoury.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Major General A.G.L. Haruna, who conducted the Deputy Governor around the affected areas, confirmed that there was no loss of life. However, he disclosed that a significant quantity of explosives and ammunition was destroyed in the inferno.

According to the GOC, preliminary findings indicate that the fire was triggered by excessive heat resulting from the extremely high temperatures currently being experienced in the state.

Kadafur commended the military’s swift response in containing the situation and assured the public that the government is closely monitoring developments to ensure residents’ continued safety and security.