Army defuses 642 unexploded Ikeja cantonment bombs

Army defuses 642 unexploded Ikeja cantonment bombs

The Nigerian Army, on Thursday, said it had so far disposed of a total of 642 unexploded bombs recovered from the Ikeja Military Cantonment.

The service, under an operation codenamed, “Exercise Clean Sweep,”  commenced the recovery and disposal of bombs from the cantonment on October 10, 2023.

The Army, in a statement on Thursday by its Director of Public Relations,  Brig.  Gen.  Onyema Nwachukwu, said the service was set for the final disposal of the unexploded bombs on  Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the Nigerian Army Range in Owode Ajilete, Ogun State.

It said, “The clearance of remnants of unexploded ordnances from the site of the 2002 Ikeja Cantonment Bomb blast commenced on Tuesday 10 October 2023 in an exercise codenamed Execise Clean Sweep. The exercise has reached an advanced stage resulting in the recovery of various calibers of unexploded ordnances, out of which 642 of them were professionally disposed of on  October 27, 2023, at the NA Range in Owode Ajilete.

 “The search and recovery phase of the exercise has been completed and has now dovetailed into the final inspection of the site, which has earnestly commenced.

“In line with the exercise plan, as highlighted during the inauguration press briefing and flag-off by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on  October 10, 2023, a final unexploded ordnance disposal task will be conducted on completion of the site inspection on Saturday, November  18, 2023, at the Nigerian Army Range in Owode Ajilete, Ogun State. Accordingly, there would be a movement of UXOs from Ikeja Cantonment to NA Range, Owode Ajilete. There would also be large sounds accompanying the detonation exercise.”

He noted the sound of explosions would be heard around the area, urging residents not to panic.

“Consequently, members of the general public, especially those resident around Owode, Ajilete, and the environs are urged to please, not panic on hearing the sound of explosions, but go about their normal businesses, as necessary safety measures have been placed to ensure safety of life and property throughout the exercise, “ the statement added.