The Nigerian Army has confirmed that the multiple explosions that rocked Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri, Borno State, in the early hours of Thursday were caused by extreme heat triggering the detonation of stored ammunition.
In a statement issued by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at the headquarters of the Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI, the army dismissed speculations of a terrorist attack, describing the incident as an accident resulting from the region’s soaring temperatures.
“The explosion was due to the current high temperatures in Maiduguri, which led to the detonation of some ammunitions,”; Captain Kovangiya stated.
The army said the fire had been quickly brought under control by a coordinated response involving the Borno State Fire Service and fire units from various security agencies.
“The situation has, however, been brought under control with the combined efforts of the Borno State Fire Service Department and fire trucks from various security agencies,”; he added.
Kovangiya further assured the public that troops from Operation HADIN KAI had been deployed to secure the area and prevent any exploitation of the situation by criminals.
Also, addressing the incident, the Borno State Police Command urged residents to remain calm, confirming that preliminary investigations ruled out any enemy attack.
In a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, Nahum Daso, the police described the incident as a “friendly-fire”; incident.
“Following reports received of explosions heard in Maiduguri, preliminary investigations indicate that the detonation originated from a friendly-fire incident at Giwa Barracks armoury,”; Daso stated.
“No enemy attack recorded, and the security situation remains firmly under control.”;
