An explosion at a Nigerian military ammunition depot in Maiduguri, Borno State, was caused by extreme heat. The military confirmed the situation is under control and urged the public to disregard rumors of an attack. Additional troops were deployed to prevent exploitation by criminals, as Boko Haram attacks have recently intensified in the region.

An explosion occurred at a military ammunition depot in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno State, reportedly triggered by extreme heat in the area, according to a statement by the Nigerian military.

The blast took place at the Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri on Wednesday evening. While the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined, the military has assured the public that the situation is under control.

Army spokesperson, Captain Reuben Kovangiya, stated that there was no attack involved and called on the public to disregard any rumors suggesting otherwise. “The general public is therefore urged to please discountenance any speculation of an attack,” he said in an official statement shared on the Nigerian Army's Facebook page.

Borno State has long been at the center of a protracted insurgency fueled by the extremist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

To maintain order, the military confirmed that additional troops had been deployed across Maiduguri to deter any criminal elements from exploiting the situation.

Earlier in the month, the Governor of Borno acknowledged a resurgence in Boko Haram activities, including increased attacks and abductions, which have undermined the progress previously made by security forces.