The Nigerian Army has debunked fears of a terrorist attack following a series of thunderous explosions that rocked Maiduguri, Borno State, late Wednesday night. According to military authorities, the incident was caused by intense heat igniting munitions stored at Giwa Military Barracks—not an assault by insurgents.
In a statement released by the Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, and signed by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, the Army confirmed that the blasts originated from an ammunition storage facility within the heavily fortified Giwa Barracks.
“The explosions were triggered by extreme heat conditions currently being experienced in Maiduguri, which led to the accidental detonation of some stored munitions,” the statement clarified.
The incident, which occurred around midnight on May 1, 2025, sent waves of panic across the city as residents, jolted from sleep, mistook the blasts for a Boko Haram attack. Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos, with families abandoning their homes in fear, and social media quickly flooded with unverified reports of a terrorist bombing.
However, the Army assured the public that there was no cause for alarm. The situation was swiftly brought under control through coordinated efforts by troops of Operation HADIN KAI, the Borno State Fire Service, and other security agencies.
“Troops were immediately deployed to secure the area and prevent any attempt by miscreants to exploit the situation,” the Army stated, urging residents to remain calm and disregard misinformation.
The military emphasized that no casualties were reported, and efforts are ongoing to assess the full extent of the damage. Investigations have also been launched to determine safety lapses and prevent a recurrence.
This clarification comes amid heightened security concerns in Borno, a region plagued by over a decade of insurgency. While fears of renewed Boko Haram activity were quickly squashed by official reports, the incident underscores the volatility and tension that persist in the region.
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