Police recover unexploded explosives ‘washed away by flood’ in Borno

The Borno State Police Command has successfully recovered eight unexploded ordnance (UXOs) in Dala and Gwange areas of Maiduguri, the state capital.

According to ASP Grace Michael, Deputy Public Relations Officer of the command, the recoveries were made possible by distress calls from residents who reported suspicious objects on November 22, 2024.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Base 13 team swiftly responded to the calls, safely retrieving six projectiles and an unexploded mortar bomb in Dala-Abuja Talakawa area.

Later, at about 1 pm, a similar report from the Gwange area led to the recovery of an unexploded hand grenade along the riverbank.

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The statement read, “Preliminary investigations suggest that the ordnance were displaced and washed ashore by recent devastating floods in the state.

“The police command has since conducted Explosive Ordnance Risk Awareness (EORE) training for residents of both communities, educating them on safety measures.”

According to Grace, all items were relocated to a secure facility for safe disposal.

The statement commended the residents for their prompt reporting and emphasised 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,” she stated.

The police also reminded the public to avoid handling suspicious objects and to maintain caution in areas with a history of military or insurgent activity.