Fire outbreaks cause multiple bombs explosion in Giwa barracks

By Daniel Oyakhire Iregbeyen, Maiduguri

The state deputy governor of BORNO state, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur has called for patience as the explosions were a result of a fire incident that erupted at an Armory of Giwa Barracks, contrary to reports of Boko Haram attacks. 

The residents of Maiduguri,l and its environs stayed awake when multiple bomb explosions rock the city on Wednesday night, emanating from Giwa  Barracks’ armory.

Some residents claimed deafening explosions began at about 11:35 pm on Wednesday, following large flames were visible in the direction of the Giwa barracks 

A senior military officer told our Correspondent that there was outbreaks around the Armoury section of the barracks led to explosions.

“We are trying to safeguards the general area but it was not an attacks, rather some section of the barracks engulf with fire resulted to bombs explosions,” he alluded.

An eyewitness reported that firefighters had to evacuate the area due to the continuous explosions. 

Residents in the vicinity of the barracks are also reportedly leaving the area.

Confirming the development, the state deputy governor in a message called residents to remain calm,  “following multiple explosions that caused panic amongst residents of Maiduguri metropolis, the Deputy Governor BORNO state, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur has called for patience as the explosions were a result of a fire incident that erupted at an Armory of Giwa Barracks, contrary to reports of Boko Haram attacks. 

“He ENJOINED all and sundry to remain indoors, as security operatives are on top of the situation.”.

Also, this is to inform the public that on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, at 10.30 pm, there was a report of a fire outbreak at Giwa Barracks Maidiguri. The fire incident affected the ammunition facility within the barrack, and some munitions exploded, causing loud bangs.

A combined team of first responders from the Nigerian Army Fire Service, Federal Fire Service and Borno State Fire Service have duly reported at the scene and successfully put out 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.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the intense heat in Madiguri around this time of the year may have triggered or conflagrated the fire. However, the combined team of fire fighters are on top of the situation.