Police Recover Unexploded Explosives in Maiduguri, Reassure Residents of Safety

The Borno State Police Command has neutralized potential threats in Maiduguri following the recovery of eight unexploded ordnance (UXOs) in the Dala and Gwange areas of the city. Authorities have reassured residents of their safety while urging continued vigilance.

Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Grace Michael, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the recoveries were made after residents reported suspicious objects on November 22, 2024.

According to the statement, at around 8:43 a.m., residents in the Dala-Abuja Talakawa neighborhood discovered suspicious items near an uncompleted building. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Base 13 team responded promptly, recovering six projectiles and an unexploded mortar shell.

Later, at approximately 1 p.m., a similar report from the Gwange area led the EOD-CBRN team to recover an unexploded hand grenade along a riverbank. All recovered items were transported to a secure facility for safe disposal.

The police commended residents for their quick action and emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious objects or activities. “Public safety remains our top priority. We encourage everyone to immediately alert law enforcement of any unusual items or situations,” the statement read.

Authorities suspect that the ordnance may have been displaced and carried ashore by recent severe flooding in the state.

To further enhance safety, the police command has conducted Explosive Ordnance Risk Awareness (EORE) training for residents in the affected communities, equipping them with knowledge on handling such risks.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Yusufu Mohammed Lawal, reiterated the command’s commitment to public safety and urged residents to avoid touching unfamiliar objects, especially in areas with a history of insurgent or military activity.