Multiple Explosion Shake Maiduguri – Army Claims Giwa Barracks Blast Not Terror-Related, Blames Heat

Explosions believed to be bomb blasts rocked Maiduguri, Borno State, around midnight on Wednesday, May 1, 2025, sending residents fleeing in fear and triggering widespread panic. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the midnight calm was shattered, with many speculating a possible attack by the Boko Haram terrorist group.

However, the Nigerian Army has since dismissed those claims, clarifying on Thursday that the loud explosion was not linked to any terrorist activity. According to a statement from the Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, the incident was caused by an accidental detonation of munitions due to extreme heat.

Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, confirmed in the statement that the blast originated from an ammunition storage facility within Giwa Barracks. The Army attributed the explosion to "current high temperatures in Maiduguri," which caused some stored munitions to ignite.

Emergency services, including the Borno State Fire Service Department and other security agencies, swiftly responded and brought the situation under control. Troops from Operation HADIN KAI were deployed to secure the area and prevent any opportunistic criminal activity.

The Army urged the public to remain calm and ignore rumours of a terrorist attack, reassuring residents that the situation posed no ongoing threat and daily activities could continue as normal.