The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit of the Nigeria Police Force has once again demonstrated its effectiveness by recovering unexploded military ordnance in Maiduguri on November 22, 2024, thanks to the vigilance of local residents.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, it was revealed that the EOD team, specializing in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats, was promptly deployed to secure the identified locations.
ACP Adejobi confirmed that all ordnance was safely retrieved without any casualties, injuries, or damage to property, restoring normalcy to the affected areas.
He stated, “In the Dala Kacchallah region, operatives recovered six unexploded projectiles and one mortar bomb located near an uncompleted structure. Preliminary reports suggest these items were washed ashore by recent flooding and abandoned by local scavengers.”
Additionally, a military hand grenade was discovered along the Gwange Riverbank. In both cases, the EOD-CBRN team successfully removed the ordnance, declared the sites safe, and conducted explosive risk awareness campaigns to educate residents.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised the professionalism and swift action of the EOD-CBRN Unit, reaffirming the Force’s dedication to ensuring public safety and security.
The IGP highlighted the consistent responsiveness and professionalism of the EOD team in Borno State, which has played a crucial role in preventing potential disasters by safely recovering numerous Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) throughout the region.
He also mentioned that investigations are underway to trace the origins of the recovered items, aiming to avert similar incidents in the future.
The Inspector-General urged the public to avoid handling suspicious objects and to report any such findings to the police immediately.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to its mission of safeguarding lives and property across Maiduguri and its surrounding areas,” he asserted.