MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE — The Borno State Fire Service has attributed the recent fire outbreak and subsequent explosions at the Giwa Military Barracks in Maiduguri to the extreme heatwave currently being experienced across the state.
In a statement issued by the Directorate of Fire Service, Ministry of Information and Internal Security, the agency confirmed that the blaze—reported around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2025—was swiftly contained through the efforts of a combined emergency response team.
Explosion Originated from Ammunition Facility
According to the statement, the fire affected an ammunition storage facility within the barracks, igniting munitions and triggering a series of loud explosions that sent panic through surrounding communities.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the intense heat in Maiduguri around this time of the year may have triggered or conflagrated the fire,” the Fire Service noted.
Responding units included teams from the Nigerian Army Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, and the Borno State Fire Service, all of whom worked together to extinguish the flames.
Public Urged to Remain Calm Amid Possible Secondary Blasts
Authorities have advised residents to stay calm in the event of secondary explosions, cautioning that leftover munitions may continue to detonate intermittently as temperatures remain high.
“Members of the public should not panic on hearing loud bangs. However, the combined team of firefighters is on top of the situation,” the statement added.
This incident adds to a growing list of climate-related emergencies, as northern Nigeria continues to face extreme weather patterns marked by scorching heat and environmental strain on infrastructure.
