The Borno State Police Command has successfully recovered eight Unexploded Ordnance (UXOs) from the Dala and Gwange areas of Maiduguri, the state capital.
These recoveries come after distress calls alerted authorities to the presence of suspected explosives in the region.
In a statement issued on Saturday, ASP Grace Michael, the spokesperson for the command, detailed the incidents leading to the recovery operations. The first report, received at 8:43 p.m. on Friday, described unidentified objects resembling explosives near an uncompleted building in Dala. The police’s explosive ordnance disposal team promptly responded to the scene.
“Six projectiles and one unexploded mortar bomb were recovered and safely moved to a secure location,” the statement revealed.
On the same day, another distress call from the Gwange area reported a similar sighting. The operatives, acting swiftly, cleared the area and recovered one unexploded hand grenade.
Floods as a Contributing Factor
Preliminary investigations suggest that the UXOs were displaced and deposited in these areas by the recent severe flooding that affected the state. In September, Maiduguri and neighboring Jere experienced catastrophic flooding that submerged entire communities and displaced approximately 400,000 households. This natural disaster is believed to have washed the ordnance ashore.
Community Safety Measures
In response to the incidents, police have conducted Explosive Ordnance Risk Awareness (EORE) sessions for residents of the affected communities. These sessions are aimed at educating the public on the risks associated with unexploded ordnance and providing safety guidelines.
Borno State Commissioner of Police, CP Yusufu Mohammed Lawal, reaffirmed the command’s dedication to public safety. “We remain committed to ensuring the security of all residents. The public is urged to stay calm, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious objects or activities to the police,” he said.
Emergency Contacts
The police have encouraged residents to report any sightings of suspicious items through the following emergency contacts:
- 0806 807 5581
- 0802 347 3293
Authorities have emphasized the importance of prompt reporting to prevent accidents and ensure swift removal of hazardous materials.
