The Borno State Police Command has assured residents of Maiduguri that the explosion which rocked Giwa Barracks on Wednesday night was not an act of terrorism or external aggression but a case of “friendly fire” originating from within the military facility.
In an official statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, the police revealed that preliminary findings indicated that the loud detonations were caused by an internal incident involving the barracks’ ammunition storage area. Contrary to public speculation and growing fears among locals, the command affirmed that there was no enemy attack or security breach in the state capital.
“Following reports of explosions heard in parts of Maiduguri, preliminary investigations have confirmed that the detonation occurred within Giwa Barracks and was the result of a friendly-fire incident at the armoury. There is no indication of any hostile attack, and the general security situation remains under control,” the police statement read.
ASP Daso added that teams of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts, firefighters, and security operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene and were working to fully contain the aftermath of the explosion, including the resulting fire. He appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives while investigations continue.
“We urge residents not to panic. The situation is being professionally managed, and further updates will be provided as more details emerge,” he said.
In a related development, the Borno State Government also issued a clarification through the Ministry of Information and Internal Security, stating that extreme heat—common in the region during this period of the year—may have triggered the fire that ultimately led to the explosion at the barracks.
According to a statement from the Directorate of Fire Service, the blaze affected the military’s ammunition storage facility and caused several munitions to detonate, resulting in the loud blasts that unsettled residents.
“Preliminary assessments suggest that the intense heat currently experienced in Maiduguri could have contributed to or escalated the fire incident,” the statement noted. “However, prompt response by combined teams from the Nigerian Army Fire Service, the Federal Fire Service, and the Borno State Fire Service ensured that the fire was effectively brought under control.”
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have promised a thorough investigation to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Meanwhile, security across the city remains tight, with no disruption to public movement or activities.
Residents are advised to go about their normal routines, while remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
