MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – The Nigerian Military High Command in Maiduguri has confirmed an explosion at the Giwa military barracks late on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, but dismissed speculation that the incident was the result of an external attack.
Contrary to reports circulating on social media, military sources told counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama that the explosion was triggered by an extreme heat reaction within a section of the barracks’ armoury.
“What occurred was an isolated incident triggered by excessive heat, which caused an explosion within the armoury,” the sources reportedly said in a statement published early Thursday, May 1, 2025.
The military is said to be managing the situation and working to bring the fire under control, with sources reassuring the public that the blast was not linked to any security breach or insurgent activity.
“There is no cause for alarm. Our troops are fully alert and in control of the situation,” the report quoted military officials as saying.
Residents of Maiduguri were urged to remain calm and disregard panic-inducing messages on social media, which officials described as misinformation.
“All military facilities in Maiduguri remain secure and routine operations continue without disruption,” the statement added.
The Giwa barracks, located in the heart of Maiduguri, has previously been a target of Boko Haram attacks, making any reports of explosions in the area particularly sensitive.
