On Saturday, November 22, 2024, the Nigeria Police Force’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit successfully defused several dangerous explosive devices in Maiduguri, Borno State, following urgent reports from concerned citizens.
The bomb scare unfolded in two separate locations within the city. Authorities were alerted to the presence of unexploded military ordnance in the Dala Kacchallah area and the Gwange Riverbank. The devices were reportedly discovered by local scavengers, who immediately informed the police.
According to a statement from the Force Headquarters, the explosive devices included six unexploded projectiles, one mortar bomb, and a military hand grenade. The Nigeria Police Force’s EOD Unit responded quickly to secure the affected areas and prevent any potential danger to the public.
“All ordnances were safely evacuated without any loss of life, injury, or property damage, and normalcy has been restored,” the statement read. It continued to assure the public that the police had declared the areas safe after the removal of the devices.
The Nigeria Police authorities believe that the explosives may have been washed ashore due to the recent flooding in the region. The heavy rains have likely caused the dangerous materials to drift to the banks of the river, where they were discovered by local scavengers.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised the EOD unit for their swift and professional response to the emergency. “The team’s prompt action ensured that lives were not lost, and the areas were secured,” IGP Egbetokun said.
In addition to removing the explosives, the police also conducted explosive risk awareness campaigns for the local residents to educate them on the dangers of handling unexploded ordnance.
The police have launched an investigation to determine the origin of the explosives. Authorities are working to track down how the dangerous devices ended up in the area, as the incident raises concerns about the presence of unexploded military materials in civilian areas.
In the meantime, the public has been urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious objects to the authorities immediately. Police spokespersons emphasized that it is important for citizens to avoid touching or tampering with potentially hazardous items and instead alert the police as soon as possible.
Local residents have expressed their relief at the swift response from the police. A local shopkeeper in the Gwange Riverbank area, who witnessed the operation, shared, “I am thankful the police came quickly. We had no idea these bombs were so close to our homes. It’s a miracle no one got hurt.”
This incident in Maiduguri highlights the ongoing concerns about unexploded ordnance in conflict zones and post-conflict regions. While the police have made significant strides in responding to such threats, the discovery of military ordnance in civilian areas continues to pose a serious risk to the safety of residents.
Authorities are working closely with local communities and agencies to ensure that these types of incidents are swiftly addressed, preventing possible tragedies in the future.
As investigations continue into the origin of the explosives, there are growing calls for greater awareness and preparedness, particularly in flood-prone areas like Maiduguri, where the movement of such dangerous materials can be difficult to control.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely,” said a senior police officer, “and we ask the public to remain alert and cooperate with us to ensure the safety of everyone in the community.”
