An explosion at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) facility in Kaduna has left one person dead and several others injured, following an accident during the controlled disposal of expired military-grade explosives.
The blast, which occurred on Saturday at the Ordnance Factory Disposal Pit in the Kurmin Gwari area of Kaduna, initially triggered panic among residents who feared a terror attack. However, DICON has since confirmed it was an internal incident related to routine demolition of unstable munitions.
In a statement issued by Maria Sambo, DICON’s Public Relations Officer, the explosion happened during the final phase of an ongoing exercise to safely destroy expired ammunition and hazardous materials stored in old bunkers.
“These items had exceeded their shelf life and included volatile substances such as Ammonium Nitrate, Primer Caps, and Propellants,” the statement noted.
According to DICON, the disposal operation began in July 2025 and had successfully neutralized the majority of unstable materials prior to the incident.
“Unfortunately, the accident occurred while specialists were concluding the destruction of the remaining expired items,” Sambo added.
The explosion claimed the life of a DICON employee whose identity was yet to be released as of press time. Several others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were initially taken to St. Gerard Catholic Hospital in Kakuri, before being transferred to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital for further treatment.
Eyewitness accounts suggest the blast was powerful enough to shake buildings in the surrounding area, causing residents to flee in fear.
A large crowd of DICON staff and family members were seen outside the hospital following the incident, with some visibly distraught as medical personnel attended to the injured.
DICON Launches Full Investigation
In response to the incident, DICON has constituted a Board of Inquiry to determine the precise cause of the explosion and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and injuries sustained. The safety of our personnel and surrounding communities remains our top priority,” the statement read.
DICON also extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and expressed solidarity with the injured staff, promising to provide full support during their recovery.
Following the explosion, the affected area was quickly secured by military personnel, with DICON assuring that the situation is under control and there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
“People in the neighbouring community can go about their normal activities. The remaining hazardous materials have been safely contained,” Sambo said.
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, established in 1964, is the country’s primary producer of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment. Despite numerous safety improvements over the years, the incident underscores the inherent risks in handling explosive materials.
As of Sunday morning, security operatives maintained a heavy presence around the factory, while DICON continued to monitor the situation.
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