An explosion at Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri was caused by extreme heat, not a terrorist attack, the Nigerian Army has said.
The clarification was contained in a statement posted on the Army’s verified X handle on Tuesday, April 30, which was signed by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI.
According to the statement, the blast happened inside an ammunition storage facility and was triggered by the intense heat currently being experienced in Maiduguri.
“The explosion was due to the current high temperatures in Maiduguri which led to the explosion of some munitions,” the Army said.
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Emergency teams from the Borno State Fire Service and other security agencies were quickly mobilised to contain the situation. The Army confirmed that the fire had been brought under control and that troops were deployed to ensure public safety.
“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have been deployed to protect the public and prevent miscreants from taking advantage of the situation,” the statement added.
Residents were urged to remain calm and ignore speculation about a possible attack.
“The general public is therefore urged to please discountenance any speculation of an attack within the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and remain calm,” the Army said.