Fire erupted at the armory 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 disclosed that they heard what sounded like explosions coming from the direction of the barracks,” said Umar
Gana, a resident in the neighborhood said, “People were scared and had to run out of their homes fearing an attack.”
Giwa Barracks is a strategically important military installation in Maiduguri, serving as both a base for operations for counter-insurgency efforts and a detention facility for hundreds of suspected Boko Haram members.
While authorities are yet to release official information regarding casualties or injuries, security has been tightened around the barracks.
Members of the public are advised to avoid the area as emergency responders continue to assess the situation.
The incident occurred at a sensitive time, with the military engaged in ongoing operations against Boko Haram and other insurgent groups in Borno State.
Investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
In response to the widespread alarm, Borno State Deputy Governor Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur issued a statement calling for calm.
He said that the explosions were as a result of a fire incident that erupted at an Armoury of Giwa Barracks, contrary to reports of Boko Haram attacks,” he stated.
Usman enjoined everyone to remain indoors as security operatives were on top of the situation.
