Authorities have urged calm after a loud explosion rocked Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri, Borno State, late Wednesday night, causing fear and confusion across the city.
The heavy blast, which occurred around 10:30 PM, was followed by red flashes in the sky, forcing residents of Polo, Fori, GRA, the University of Maiduguri area, and other parts of the city to flee their homes, fearing a possible Boko Haram attack.
However, the Borno State Police Command later clarified that the explosion was not caused by any terrorist activity but resulted from a fire outbreak inside the barracks.
“On 30 April 2025 at 10:30 PM, a fire broke out in the ammunition facility at Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri. The fire incident affected some munitions to detonate, resulting in loud bangs,” police spokesperson ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso said.
He said a combined team of security forces and firefighters responded immediately and successfully put out the fire.
“Preliminary investigations indicated that the unusually high ambient temperatures in Maiduguri at this time of year may have contributed to the outbreak,” he added.
“The command calls on all members of the public to remain calm and should not panic as the situation is now fully under control,” ASP Daso assured.
The Borno State Fire Service also confirmed that firefighters from the Nigerian Army, Federal Fire Service, and the state fire team worked together to stop the fire.
“However, there may be secondary explosions which may disturb the neighbourhood around the barracks. Members of the public should not panic on hearing loud bangs,” the fire service warned.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the intense heat in Maiduguri around this time of the year may have triggered or conflagrated the fire. However, the combined team of firefighters are on top of the situation,” the statement added.