On Saturday, November 22, 2024, the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit successfully neutralized multiple unexploded military ordnances in Maiduguri, following reports from alert residents.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal—Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) team swiftly responded, securing the affected locations.
According to a statement from the Force headquarters, all ordnances were removed safely, with no casualties or property damage, and the areas were declared safe.
In the Dala Kacchallah area, the EOD team recovered six unexploded projectiles and one mortar bomb near an unfinished building.
The items were believed to have been washed ashore due to recent flooding and abandoned by local scavengers. In another discovery at the Gwange Riverbank, a military hand grenade was found.
In both cases, the EOD-CBRN team safely evacuated the explosives and carried out explosive risk awareness campaigns to educate residents.
The team also reassured the public that no harm had come from the discovered ordnances.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the professionalism and prompt action of the EOD-CBRN Unit.
He emphasized the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding public safety, particularly in Borno State, where the EOD team has consistently thwarted potential disasters by recovering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in various operations.
Ongoing investigations aim to trace the origins of the recovered ordnances and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The IGP urged the public to avoid handling suspicious items and to report any such findings to the authorities immediately.
