The Borno State Fire Service has revealed that the fire outbreak that triggered multiple explosions at the armoury in Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri, was likely caused by the intense heat currently sweeping across the state.
In a statement issued by the Directorate of Fire Service under the Ministry of Information and Internal Security, authorities confirmed that the blaze—reported around 10:30 pm on April 30, 2025—was successfully contained.
Earlier, residents were jolted from sleep by loud blasts and red flares lighting up the sky around 12:05 am on Thursday, sparking panic across Maiduguri.
“This is to inform the public that on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, at 10.30 pm, there was a report of a fire outbreak at Giwa Barracks Maiduguri.
“The fire incident affected the ammunition facility within the barracks, and some munitions exploded, causing loud bangs.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the intense heat in Maiduguri around this time of the year may have triggered or conflagrated the fire.
“A combined team of first responders from the Nigerian Army Fire Service, Federal Fire Service and Borno State Fire Service have duly reported at the scene and successfully put out the fire,” the statement read.
This is coming a few weeks after an explosion along the Maiduguri-Damboa Road killed seven commuters.