COMMUNITIES around the army detention facility in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, have demanded the immediate relocation of the barracks out of the community.
Known as Giwa Barracks, the facility is located in the Jere Local Government Area of Borno State.
During a press briefing by members of the communities in Maiduguri, the residents decried the risk level they are being exposed to living near the detention facility.
This came after an explosion that rocked the army armory at Giwa Barracks a month ago, leading to the destruction of the armory and other buildings within proximity.
According to the Chairman of Galtimari Consultative Forum, Zannah Boguma, Giwa Barracks has been a target for Boko Haram terrorists who have continually attacked the facility in an attempt to free their members.
He said, “Giwa Barracks has over time become a repeated target of attacks by Boko Haram insurgents, with significant incidents recorded in 2014, three separate attacks in 2015, and another in 2019, all aimed at freeing detained insurgents.
“Just recently, an explosion occurred within the barrack. Thankfully, no lives were lost. However, this incident underscores the grave risk faced daily by over a million residents living around the barracks.”
“Let it be made clear that we fully understand and support the need for a strong military presence in our state; however, military installations of such strategic importance should not be located within residential neighborhoods, particularly those housing vulnerable civilian populations.
“It is therefore in the interest of public safety and strategic military effectiveness that we call on the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, National Security Adviser, Governor of Borno State, the Borno State House of Assembly to take urgent and practical steps to relocate Giwa Barracks to the outskirts of Maiduguri, or to any suitably secure location far removed from dense civilian populations,” he added.
He said the call was not political but driven by the need to protect lives, reduce civilian exposure to insurgent attacks, and allow the military to operate in a more controlled and secure environment.
