Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, has conducted an on-site assessment of Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri following a late-night explosion and fire outbreak at the facility’s armoury.
The visit comes after a series of loud explosions caused panic across the city, raising fears of a possible insurgent attack.
However, military officials have since confirmed the cause as an internal fire incident.
No loss of life, but ammunition destroyed
Receiving the Deputy Governor, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Major General A.G.L. Haruna, confirmed that no casualties were recorded.
He revealed, however, that a considerable stockpile of explosives and ammunition was destroyed in the fire.
“Preliminary findings point to excessive heat caused by the current high temperatures in Borno as the likely trigger,” Major General Haruna explained, adding that a full investigation is underway.
The GOC guided Deputy Governor Kadafur through the affected areas, offering a detailed inspection of the damage sustained within the armoury.
Commending the Nigerian Army for its prompt response, Deputy Governor Kadafur praised the professionalism of troops in swiftly containing the fire and preventing further risk to surrounding communities.
He reassured residents that the state government is monitoring the situation closely and collaborating with military authorities to ensure public safety.
“The situation is under control, and there is no cause for alarm,” Kadafur stated.
Community concerns and ongoing investigations
Giwa Barracks holds strategic importance in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, functioning as both a counter-terrorism base and a detention centre for Boko Haram suspects.
The incident understandably caused alarm among Maiduguri residents, many of whom initially feared a terrorist attack due to the intensity of the explosions
While the immediate threat has passed, military engineers and investigators are assessing the full extent of the damage and are expected to introduce measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future
RN
