Police uncover bombs, ammunition hidden in scrap from Borno

In a dramatic turn of events, the Kaduna State Police Command has uncovered a deadly consignment of military-grade explosives and ammunition hidden inside scrap waste transported from Borno State an area long plagued by insurgency.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, the explosives were found on August 2, 2025, at a scavenger company located in the Kudandan Industrial Area of Kaduna South Local Government Area.

The discovery followed a tip-off from credible intelligence sources who reported suspicious activity at the facility. Acting swiftly, a specialized Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, led by its commander, was deployed to the site where the dangerous materials were safely recovered.

“Upon arrival, the EOD experts conducted a meticulous inspection and confirmed that the items in question were unexploded ordnance (UXOs), military-grade bombs that had not yet detonated,” the statement read.

Following standard safety procedures, the EOD team safely evacuated the explosive materials to a secure location where they will be neutralized through controlled demolition.

READ ALSO: 4 killed as bomb explosion rocks Yobe

Beyond the bombs, police officers also recovered a locally fabricated revolver pistol fully loaded with six rounds, 15 rounds of 7.2mm live ammunition, three live cartridges, and other assorted ammunition types, further heightening concerns about the potential threat posed by the shipment.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, has since ordered the immediate sealing of the scavenger facility to enable a complete sweep by bomb disposal personnel and to prevent any overlooked devices from posing risks to public safety.

Reacting to the incident, CP Muhammad issued a stern warning to scavenger businesses and metal depots across the state, directing them to immediately stop importing scrap and waste materials from crisis-prone areas, particularly from the insurgency-affected North-East region.

“All scavenger companies and depots in the state must stop receiving consignments from conflict regions, especially the North-East,” the CP said. “Area Commanders and DPOs have been ordered to monitor compliance and arrest violators accordingly.”

While assuring residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to public safety, the police commissioner urged the public to remain vigilant and collaborate with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious activity or item.

“Our top priority is the safety and security of every resident. We urge citizens to support our work with timely and credible information,” CP Muhammad added.

The discovery has sparked serious security concerns, particularly regarding the unregulated movement of materials from Nigeria’s volatile zones into more stable regions like Kaduna. Investigations are currently ongoing to determine how the explosives were transported, who orchestrated the shipment, and what the ultimate target or intent might have been.

Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the materials could have been meant for acts of sabotage or terrorism, especially given the sophistication of the recovered ordnance.

As of the time of filing this report, no arrests have been officially announced, but police sources say interrogations and tracing efforts are underway.