- Safiu Kehinde
An explosion at the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria’s (DICON) Ordnance Factory Disposal pit in Kaduna state has claimed the life of one personnel with several others injured.
As confirmed in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the facility, Maria Sambo, the tragic incident occurred at about 10am on Saturday during the final phase of controlled disposal of expired ordnance materials.
The expired materials which included Ammonia Nitrates, Primer Caps, and Propellants amongst others were reportedly stored in some old storage bunkers where they carefully destroyed in phases since July.
Unfortunately, the mishap occurred during the final phase of the material destruction today.
DICON confirmed the death of one personnel while noting that the injured victims whose actually was not disclosed are currently receiving treatment.
“The explosion happened during the final phase of controlled disposal of expired ordnance materials.
“It is important to note that some old storage bunkers previously used to hold raw materials for production contained expired items that had exceeded their lifespans, including quantities of Ammonium Nitrate, Primer Caps, Propellants and other related materials.
“Since July 2025, DICON had initiated a careful and systematic process to safely destroy these expired materials.
“A significant quantity, including all Ammonium Nitrates and most other items, had already been successfully disposed of.
“However, the unfortunate accident occurred while specialists were concluding the destruction of the remaining materials at the disposal site.
“Tragically, one DICON personnel lost his life in the incident, while others sustained injuries.
“The injured staff are currently receiving adequate medical attention at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna and are in stable condition.
“The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital mortuary.” the statement partly read.
While commiserating with the family, colleagues and friends of the deceased, DICON wished the injured staff a speedy and full recovery.
It however reassured members of the public, particularly residents of the neighbouring community, that there is no cause for alarm, stressing that the situation is fully under control.
The remaining materials, according to the statement, have been rendered safe with no threat to lives or property.
DICON disclosed that a Board of Inquiry has been instituted to determine the immediate and remote causes of the incident with a view to preventing any future occurrence.