The Borno State Police have successfully averted a deadly explosion after uncovering three explosive projectiles hidden inside a sack in the Dala Kafanti area of Maiduguri. This timely intervention has been hailed as a critical success in preventing a potential terror attack that could have caused widespread devastation.
The recovery, which took place on January 2, 2025, followed a tip-off from a concerned resident, who noticed a suspicious sack near her home. Upon receiving the report, officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit acted swiftly, securing the area and preventing a possible catastrophe.
According to the statement from the Borno State Police Command, a resident, identified as Asabe James, noticed the suspicious sack behind her house early in the morning. Alarmed by the unusual presence of the package, James immediately contacted the police, triggering a rapid response from the authorities.
ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, spokesperson for the police command, explained that the EOD team from Base 13 in Maiduguri was dispatched to the location. “At approximately 9:25 AM, the police were alerted about the suspicious item. Upon arrival, our team cordoned off the area and conducted a thorough sweep. We found three projectiles hidden inside the sack. Fortunately, there were no casualties,” he said.
The bomb squad swiftly confirmed that the items were explosive ordnance, dropped by unknown individuals during the early hours of the day. The quick recovery and neutralization of the explosives avoided what could have been a devastating explosion in one of Maiduguri’s populated neighborhoods.
Quick Action, Narrow Escape
“This is a textbook example of how important community vigilance is in tackling security threats,” said one security expert familiar with the Borno police operations, who requested anonymity. “Had the resident not reported the suspicious sack, there’s no telling what could have happened.”
Residents of Dala Kafanti were understandably shaken, but the incident was also a reminder of the heightened security challenges in the region, which has been plagued by insurgent activity for years. The area has seen periodic attacks, often involving bombs or improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which have been a favored method of attack by groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province).
Following the discovery, the Borno Police Command conducted a sensitization program, educating the public about explosive ordnance risks and safety measures. Local authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity promptly.
“In a situation like this, it’s crucial to remain calm, maintain a safe distance from any suspicious items, and alert the authorities immediately,” said CP Yusufu Mohammed Lawal, the Commissioner of Police for Borno. “We have continued to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe, and the people’s cooperation is vital in ensuring that we minimize such threats.”
Dangers of Explosive Ordnance in Borno
Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams, like the one in Maiduguri, play a critical role in neutralizing bombs before they can be detonated. However, their work is not without risk. Every operation carries the potential for catastrophic failure, especially when dealing with devices that may be booby-trapped or poorly constructed.
The Borno State Police Command’s efforts to raise public awareness about explosive hazards are part of a broader initiative to bolster community safety. In the statement issued after the recovery, the police emphasized key safety tips to minimize risk when encountering explosive devices.
“First, remain calm and keep your distance. Never attempt to touch or move the explosive object yourself,” the statement advised. “We urge the public to clear the area and call the police immediately. Our emergency contacts are available for reporting suspicious items.”
Additionally, the police reassured citizens that they were working closely with other security agencies to combat insurgent activities in the region. The presence of IEDs, unexploded ordnance, and bomb threats has been a constant source of tension, particularly in Maiduguri, which serves as the administrative capital of Borno.
A Community on Edge
For many residents of Maiduguri, the discovery of explosives is a grim reminder of the persistent threat posed by insurgents in the area. Even as the Nigerian military, along with local police forces, intensifies efforts to combat extremist groups, the specter of violence remains a daily reality for many.
“I don’t think any of us are truly safe until this whole crisis is resolved,” said Ahmed Musa, a local businessman in Maiduguri. “Every day you wonder if you’ll be the next victim of an attack. It’s only thanks to the police and the military that we’re not seeing more tragedies.”
While the security forces continue to thwart potential attacks, the scars of years of conflict are still fresh in the minds of the people. Borno has been at the epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency, which has plagued the northeast of Nigeria for over a decade. The state has suffered significant losses, with thousands killed, displaced, and countless properties destroyed.
Nevertheless, recent efforts by the state government and the police to enhance public safety have yielded some positive results. The discovery of these explosives, while harrowing, has shown that the authorities are working tirelessly to safeguard lives and prevent further loss.
The Road Ahead: A Continued Fight for Safety
Despite these recent successes, experts caution that the fight against insurgency is far from over. In a region where extremist groups have shown an alarming ability to adapt and innovate, the authorities face an ongoing battle to keep the peace. This is especially true in the case of IEDs, which are often difficult to detect and can be hidden in unsuspecting places like homes, markets, or even fields.
“While the police and military are doing commendable work, we cannot afford to let our guard down,” said Dr. Ibrahim Umar, a security analyst based in Abuja. “Communities must remain vigilant, and the government must continue to support the police with the necessary resources to combat these threats effectively.”
As Borno residents return to their daily routines, the police’s success in averting this latest attack stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of community engagement and proactive security measures.
“We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure the safety and security of our people,” said CP Lawal. “But we also need the help of every citizen to stay alert and report anything that seems out of the ordinary.”
