A series of explosions rocked the Giwa army barracks in
Maiduguri on Wednesday, causing panic and palpable tension across the Borno
state capital city.
In a statement, Reuben Kovangiya, acting deputy director of
army public relations, said the incident was caused by excessive heat amid
sweltering temperatures.
He added that collaborative efforts of the Borno state fire
service and other security agencies’ fire units curtailed further damage.
Kovangiya advised the public to disregard any rumours of an
attack within the Maiduguri metropolitan council and to remain calm.
“The Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation
HADIN KAI Maiduguri, wishes to inform the general public of an incident
involving the explosion of ordnance in one of our ammunition storage facilities
located in Giwa Barracks,” the statement reads.
“The explosion was due to the current high temperatures in
Maiduguri, which led to the explosion of some munitions.
“The situation has, however, 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 HADIN KAI have been deployed to protect
the public and prevent miscreants from taking advantage of the situation.”
The police command in Borno said the incident was caused by
a fire outbreak.
Nahum Daso, the police spokesperson in Borno, said a fire
erupted in the ammunition facility of the barracks, leading to the detonation
of some munitions and loud bangs.
Daso said a combined team of security and fire service
personnel was quickly deployed to the scene.
He added that preliminary investigations suggest that the
high ambient temperatures currently experienced in Maiduguri sparked the fire.
The police urged the public to remain calm and not to panic,
adding that the situation is now fully under control.
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