Panic in Maiduguri as midnight explosions rock Giwa barracks

Residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, were thrown into panic in the early hours of Thursday following a series of powerful explosions that erupted from the Giwa Barracks.

The blasts, which reportedly began around 12:05 a.m., were marked by loud bangs and red flares piercing the night sky, believed to have originated from the armoury section of the military facility.

The sudden eruption jolted residents from their sleep, with many fleeing their homes in fear amid uncertainty about the cause of the explosions.

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos as emergency responders and firefighters raced to the scene with blaring sirens, while security forces swiftly cordoned off the area.

A resident, Rakiya Garba, described the situation as terrifying, stating that the explosions continued intermittently, further fueling speculation and fear.

“We are safe, but we are in fear. The explosion is coming from inside the barracks. It is not an attack because we are not hearing gunshots.

“However, it has been a sporadic explosion,” she confirmed

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Borno state, Dr Umar Kadafur, has called for patience, saying that the explosion is a result of a fire incident that erupted at an Armoury of Giwa Barracks

He dismissed reports speculating that it was a Boko Haram attack.

He encouraged everyone to remain indoors, as security operatives are on top of the situation.