A devastating fire outbreak on Tuesday, November 12, 2025, destroyed at least 40 shelters at the Mandala community camp along the Bakassi area of Maiduguri Borno State, leaving more than 100 internally displaced persons (IDPs) homeless.

The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. However, according to the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) Cluster, multiple factors have been identified as common causes of fire incidents in IDP camps. These include the misuse of fuel, inappropriate or poor-quality cooking and heating stoves, poor solar panel connections, cooking inside shelters, flammable shelter materials, and unsafe electrical wiring. Other risks include storing fuel inside shelters, gas leakages, and failure to clear dry grasses surrounding tents.

This incident adds to the growing number of fire outbreaks in displacement camps across Borno State. Between January and April 2023, the CCCM Cluster recorded 79 fire incidents in 46 overcrowded IDP camps, affecting 7,091 households (about 35,750 individuals). Later that same year, between October and November 2023, 16 fire incidents were recorded across 14 IDP sites in Borno, destroying 2,990 shelters and displacing 14,832 individuals.

In 2024, fire outbreaks and similar hazards continued across the BAY states (Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe), with 97 incidents affecting 36,134 households — about 183,792 people. In March 2025, another major fire destroyed over 80 IDP huts and 15 houses in Monguno LGA, Borno State.

These figures reflect how recurring fire disasters continue to endanger the lives and belongings of displaced families in the state.

 “We Lost Everything”

One of the victims, Bulama Dala, recounted the harrowing experience.

“The incident occurred around 8 in the morning in my grandmother’s room. I have no idea how it started. We were just seated in our room close to hers when we heard screaming. She was safe, and we tried to intervene, but it was beyond our capacity,” he said.

“In these 40 tents affected, at least 100 people lost their homes. We tried our best with others in the community to stop the fire, but it failed. The Borno State Fire Service later arrived and managed to put it out. We really need help from the government, we are in a very difficult situation.”

Fatima Mustapha, a 19-year-old displaced girl, said she lost all her educational documents to the fire.

“I lost my primary certificate, secondary certificate, and other valuable papers,” she said in a trembling voice.

Another resident, Falmata Mala, a mother of five, said her family now has nowhere to sleep.

“We lost everything to the fire. Right now, we are stranded with only the clothes we are wearing,” she lamented.

Another Fire Incident Two Days Earlier

Just two days before the Mandala fire, on Monday, November 10, another fire incident struck the Fariya Garken Block community camp, also in Maiduguri, destroying at least 12 tents.

Muhammad Sani, an IDP from the camp, said the fire occurred shortly after the midday (Zuhr) prayers.

“Food items and clothes were destroyed. Children and women are in a difficult situation. Some were helped by relatives, while others slept outside without shelter. We really need help, especially in providing raffia sheds,” he said.

Another victim, Umar Abubakar, said the fire was suspected to have been ignited by children playing nearby.

“We have lost everything. Women slept without duvets last night, and it’s very cold now. We are calling on the government to support us in this difficult time,” he appealed.

Fire Service Cautions Residents

Responding to the incidents, Buba Mamman, Operational Director of the Borno State Fire Service, warned that fire outbreaks tend to increase during the onset of the cold (Harmattan) season.

“This is the season when fire incidents become frequent. We are calling on residents of Borno State, especially women, to be cautious,” Mamman said.

“Those who use charcoal irons or cook with charcoal should ensure it is completely extinguished when done. The same goes for gas cookers and incense burners, turn them off before sleeping.”

He added that one of the main challenges faced by the fire service is delayed reporting by affected persons.

“People often call us only when the fire becomes uncontrollable. We urge the public to contact us immediately on 0708888283 whenever such incidents occur,” he said.

Rukaiya Ahmed Alibe