Residents of Bale Galtimari, the host community of Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri, have called for the relocation of the military facility due to fears of renewed insurgent attacks.
The appeal was made during a press briefing held on Sunday by the Bale Galtimari Consultative Forum in Maiduguri. Chairman of the Forum, Dr Zanna Boguma, said the continued presence of the barracks in a densely populated civilian area posed a serious risk to lives and property.
Boguma explained that the barracks, originally intended as a detention centre for insurgents, had previously come under attack by Boko Haram in 2014, on three occasions in 2015, and again in 2019 as part of efforts to free detainees.
“We recognise the critical role of the military in maintaining peace, but key security installations such as this should not be situated in residential areas,” he said, referring to neighbouring Galtimari, Fori and 122 communities, which together have over a million residents.
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He also cited a recent explosion at the barracks armoury which caused widespread panic in the area, describing it as further evidence of the risks posed to civilians.
Boguma noted that the House of Representatives had already adopted a motion moved by Rep. Satomi Ahmad, who represents Jere Federal Constituency calling for the relocation of the facility.
“This is not a political campaign, but a call to safeguard innocent lives and ensure that military operations can be conducted in a more appropriate and secure environment,” he said.
He reaffirmed the community’s commitment to peaceful advocacy and lauded the Nigerian Armed Forces for their role in counter-insurgency efforts, as well as Governor Babagana Zulum’s continued dedication to restoring peace and security in the state.
