Police recover explosives, prevent calamity in Borno — National Accord Newspaper

By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –

The Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit has again successfully recovered unexploded military ordnances in Maiduguri on 22nd November 2024, following reports from vigilant residents.

A statement issued on Saturday by the Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) team, who acted swiftly was deployed to secure the affected areas.

ACP Adejoni said all ordnances were safely evacuated without any loss of life, injury, or property damage, and normalcy has been restored.

He said: “In the Dala Kacchallah area, the operatives recovered six (6) unexploded projectiles and one (1) mortar bomb near an uncompleted building. Reports indicate that the items, washed ashore by recent flooding, were abandoned by local scavengers.

“Similarly, at the Gwange Riverbank, a military hand grenade was discovered. In both instances, the EOD-CBRN team safely removed the ordnances, declared the areas safe, and conducted explosive risk awareness campaigns to sensitize residents.

He quoted the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun as commending the professionalism and prompt response of the EOD-CBRN Unit while assuring Nigerians of the Force’s commitment to ensuring public safety and security.

The IGP also noted that the EOD team in Borno State has been consistent in responsiveness and professionalism in preventing series of calamities as many IEDs have been safely recovered in many instances within the state.

He said investigations are ongoing to trace the origins of the recovered items and to prevent future occurrences.

The Inspector-General of Police urged members of the public to refrain from handling suspicious objects and to promptly report such discoveries to the police.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mandate to protect lives and property across Maiduguri and its environs” he said.