Quick thinking by a local resident and swift police action prevented what could have been a devastating explosion in Maiduguri’s Dala Kafanti area, as authorities recovered three projectile explosives carefully concealed in a sack. The discovery came after Asabe James, a resident of the area, spotted a suspicious sack behind her house early Thursday morning.
Trusting her instincts, she immediately alerted the police, triggering a rapid response from the bomb disposal unit.
“The EOD-CBRN Base 13 Maiduguri team rushed to the scene, secured the area, and confirmed our worst fears,” said ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the police spokesperson.
“Inside that innocent-looking sack were three projectile explosives, apparently dropped by unknown persons in the early hours of the day.”
Following the discovery, police conducted a thorough sweep of the area and launched a preliminary investigation. The incident has prompted authorities to step up community awareness about explosive ordnance risks and safety measures.
Borno State Police Commissioner Yusufu Mohammed Lawal used the incident to reinforce the importance of public vigilance.
“Stay calm, maintain a safe distance, and never attempt to handle suspicious objects yourself,” he advised, urging residents to immediately report any suspicious items or activities.
The police have set up emergency hotlines (0806 807 5581, 0802 347 3293) for residents to report similar concerns, emphasizing their commitment to public safety in a region that has long grappled with security challenges.
