The Nigerian Army has debunked claims of a terrorist attack at the ammunition storage facility in Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri, Borno State capital city.
The Army said the explosion which rocked the facility was caused by extreme heat conditions in the area and not an attack as suggested by many.
In a statement issued hours after the explosion, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Reuben Kovangiya, said the incident was a reaction to high temperature affection the ammunition stored in the facility.
“The explosion was due to the current high temperatures in Maiduguri, which led to the explosion of some munitions,” Kovangiya said.
Noting that the situation has been brought under control, Kovangiya said there was a coordinated response by the state’s Fire Service Department and sister emergency agency at the facility.
He also stated that troops of Operation HADIN KAI were deployed to the scene to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the situation on the ground.
“The general public is therefore urged to please discountenance any speculation of an attack… and remain calm,” Kovangiya added.
