What caused major explosion at our Kaduna factory – DICON

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) says expired materials triggered Saturday’s explosion at its factory in Kaduna, which left one person dead and several others injured.

In a statement signed by DICON’s Public Relations Officer, Maria Sambo, the military explained that the incident occurred during the disposal of old production materials.

The statement reads: “On Saturday, 20 September 2025, at about 10 am, an explosion occurred at DICON Ordnance Factory Disposal pit, killing one person and injuring others.

“Some old storage bunkers used to store Raw Materials for production contained several expired materials for production which have exceeded their lifespans, including a large quantity of Ammonia Nitrates, Primer Caps, Propellants and others.

“DICON had earlier initiated efforts since July 2025 to ensure the controlled disposal of these expired items and successfully destroyed all the Ammonia Nitrates and the majority of other items.

“However, the unfortunate accident of the explosion occurred while specialists were concluding the destruction of the remaining quantity of the expired items at the disposal pit on Saturday, 20 September 2025.

“The injured DICON staff are currently receiving treatment at 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, while the body of the deceased Personnel has been deposited at the mortuary.”

DICON extended condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery, while assuring the public that there is no cause for alarm.

“The neighbouring community is assured that DICON, as a responsible professional organisation, has institutionalised operational safety to the highest level, and they can go about their normal business. The remaining materials have been made safe.

“Accordingly, a Board of Inquiry has been instituted to unravel the immediate cause of the unfortunate incident,” the statement added.