The operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have recovered unexploded military ordnances in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The explosives were recovered by the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit in Maiduguri on Friday, November 22, 2024.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, November 23.

Adejobi said the explosives were recovered following reports from vigilant residents, adding that all ordnances were safely evacuated without any loss of life, injury, or property damage.

Adejobi noted that normalcy had been restored to the area.

He said police operatives, in the Dala Kacchallah area, recovered six unexploded projectiles and one mortar bomb near an uncompleted building.

The police spokesman stated: “Reports indicate that the items, washed ashore by recent flooding, were abandoned by local scavengers.

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“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 sensitize residents.”

Adejobi quoted the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, as commending the professionalism and prompt response of the EOD-CBRN Unit.

The IGP also assured Nigerians of the Force’s commitment to ensuring public safety and security.

Egbetokun noted that the “EOD team in Borno State has been consistent in responsiveness and professionalism in preventing series of calamities as many IEDs have been safely recovered in many instances within the state.”

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

The IGP, however, urged members of the public to refrain from handling suspicious objects and to promptly report such discoveries to the police.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mandate to protect lives and property across Maiduguri and its environs,” Egbetokun stressed.

The Star