A fire erupted at the armoury of Giwa Barracks, a major military facility in Maiduguri, Borno State, in the early hours of today, The incident triggered multiple explosions, leading to widespread panic and prompting some residents to flee their homes.
Some residents of the area interviewed by Radio Nigeria disclosed that they heard what sounded like explosions coming from the direction of the barracks,” said Umar Gana , a resident of a nearby neighborhood. “People were scared and started running, fearing an attack.”
Giwa Barracks is a strategically important military installation in Maiduguri, serving as both a base of operations for counter-insurgency efforts and a detention facility for hundreds of suspected Boko Haram members.
While authorities have yet to release official information regarding casualties or injuries, security has been significantly tightened around the barracks. The public is being advised to avoid the area as emergency responders continue to assess the situation.
The incident occurs at a sensitive time, with the military engaged in ongoing operations against Boko Haram and other insurgent groups in Borno State. An investigation into the cause of the fire is expected to be launched immediately.
In response to the widespread alarm, Borno State Deputy Governor, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, issued a statement calling for calm.Saying that the explosions were a result of a fire incident that erupted at an Armoury of Giwa Barracks, contrary to reports of Boko Haram attacks,” he stated. And enjoined all and sundry to remain indoors, as security operatives are on top of the situation.