Theatre Commander visits Giwa Barracks, assesses damage from armoury explosion
The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. A.E. Abubakar, on Thursday visited Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri to assess the level of damage caused by the explosion that occurred at the facility.
Abubakar was received and conducted round the affected areas by the Commanding Officer of 73 Battalion, Lt.-Col. N. Dalha, and the Joint Intelligence Centre (JIC) Commander, Col. Ahmad, alongside other senior military officers.
During the visit, the Theatre Commander commended the gallant efforts of troops and the combined intervention of federal and state fire services in containing the fire. He noted that the incident resulted in the destruction of the barracks’ only armoury.
He urged members of the public not to panic, assuring that the situation had been brought under control and normalcy restored within and around the barracks.
Abubakar also warned residents living near the barracks against picking up any unidentified objects, as some fragments and unexploded ordnances may have been scattered by the explosion.
He called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects, persons or movements to security authorities, and provided a dedicated emergency number 09026959597 for prompt communication with the command.
Zagazola reports that the explosion, which occurred late Wednesday, sparked tension across parts of Maiduguri, prompting emergency response and heightened security surveillance.
