Panic as explosion rocks army barracks armoury in Borno

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.