The Borno State Police Command has successfully neutralized potential threats in Maiduguri after recovering eight unexploded ordnance (UXOs) in Dala and Gwange areas. According to ASP Grace Michael, Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police Command, the recoveries followed distress calls from residents reporting suspicious objects on November 22, 2024.
The first incident occurred at approximately 8:43 am in the Dala-Abuja Talakawa area, where residents discovered unidentified objects near an uncompleted building. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Base 13 team responded swiftly, retrieving six projectiles and an unexploded mortar bomb.
Later that day, at about 1 pm, a similar report from the Gwange area led the EOD-CBRN team to recover an unexploded hand grenade along the riverbank. All items were relocated to a secure facility for safe disposal.
The police command commended the residents for their prompt reporting and emphasized the importance of vigilance. “The safety of the public remains our utmost priority. We encourage everyone to report suspicious items or activities to law enforcement immediately,” ASP Michael stated.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the ordnance were displaced and washed ashore by recent devastating floods in the state. The police command has conducted Explosive Ordnance Risk Awareness (EORE) training for residents of both communities, educating them on safety measures.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Yusufu Mohammed Lawal, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring public safety. The authorities have assured the public of their safety while urging vigilance and caution in areas with a history of military or insurgent activity.
