NO CASUALTIES REPORTED AFTER ARMOURY FIRE AT GIWA BARRACKS; EXCESSIVE HEAT SUSPECTED 01-05-25
By Sadiq Aminu Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, has paid an assessment visit to Giwa Barracks Maiduguri to assess the aftermath of a heavy explosion and fire that occurred at the facility’s armoury last night.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Major General A.G.L. Haruna, who received the deputy Governor, confirmed that there were no casualties resulting from the incident. However, he disclosed that a significant quantity of explosives and ammunition had been destroyed in the fire.
According to Major General Haruna, preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was triggered by excessive heat resulting from the extremely high temperatures currently being experienced in the state.
The GOC conducted Deputy Governor Kadafur around the affected areas, providing a firsthand assessment of the damage.
Deputy Governor Kadafur commended the swift response of the military in containing the situation and assured the public that the government is closely monitoring developments to ensure the continued safety and security of residents.
The incident at Giwa Barracks, a major military installation in Maiduguri, had caused considerable alarm among residents due to the multiple explosions. The barracks serves as both a base of operations for counter-insurgency efforts and a detention facility for suspected Boko Haram members. While the fire is now under control, investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage and implement preventative measures.