Police recover ‘explosives washed ashore by flood’ in Borno

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says its operatives in Borno have recovered some explosives in Maiduguri, the state capital.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, police spokesperson, said the explosive ordnance disposal—chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (EOD-CBRN) team recovered the explosives.

Adejobi said residents notified the police about sighting the objects on Friday, adding that security operatives acted swiftly.

“All ordnances were safely evacuated without any loss of life, injury, or property damage, and normalcy has been restored,” the statement reads.

“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 sensitise residents.

“Investigations are ongoing to trace the origins of the recovered items and to prevent future occurrences.”

Adejobi said Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), commended the EOD-CBRN team for their proactiveness.

The police spokesperson quoted Egbetokun to have said that the EOD team in Borno has been consistent in its responsiveness and professionalism in preventing a series of calamities.

The IGP noted that many IEDs have been safely recovered in many instances within the state and urged the public to refrain from handling suspicious objects and to promptly report similar discoveries to the police.