Peace has returned to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, following a series of explosions that erupted late Wednesday night at the Giwa Military Barracks, which initially triggered widespread alarm among residents.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The blasts, which persisted from around 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., were initially feared to be a coordinated attack, causing many residents to stay awake in fear and confusion.

Eyewitnesses near the barracks described the scene as terrifying, with loud detonations and red flashes lighting up the sky. Many assumed the city was under siege, especially as some gunfire was also heard.

“We were up until 4 a.m.,” said Garba Mustapha, a local resident. “It felt like a war zone—the sky lit up constantly, and we couldn’t tell what was happening.”

Another resident, Karaye Idris, said her family stayed indoors, closely monitoring updates from authorities to stay informed.

“We followed all the updates and prayed. The statements from officials helped us stay calm,” she said.

On Thursday, when The PUNCH visited the area, locals admitted they were too frightened to venture out during the incident.

“We just stayed put,” said Peter Plankat. “Everyone in our compound gathered outside and kept looking up at the sky, hoping the explosions would end.”

Military officials later clarified that the explosions were accidental and linked to high temperatures. According to Captain Reuben Kovangiya, acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at Operation HADIN KAI, the blasts were caused by the detonation of ammunition stored in the Giwa Barracks due to extreme heat.

The situation has since been brought under control, thanks to swift intervention from the Borno State Fire Service and other emergency units.

In a separate statement, the Borno State Police Command backed the army’s account, urging residents to remain calm and dismissing suggestions of an attack.

Police spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso confirmed that early findings showed the explosion was confined to the armoury and described the event as a “friendly-fire incident.”

Security personnel, including bomb disposal experts and fire crews, are continuing cleanup and safety checks in the affected area.

Top military insiders hinted that an investigation may soon be launched to determine whether negligence contributed to the incident.

“Depending on the outcome, disciplinary actions could follow,” one source told The PUNCH. “But if heat is confirmed as the sole cause, the matter may be closed.”