Police uncovers explosive devices, ammunitions

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Police Command in Kaduna State said its operatives have discovered explosive devices and recovered one locally-made pistol with 21 rounds of ammunition and other high-calibre weapons ammunition in Kaduna.

The command’s spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, confirmed the development in a statement yesterday in Kaduna.

Mr Hassan said, “On Friday, acting on credible intelligence received, the command was alerted to the presence of suspicious items believed to be Unexploded Ordnances (UXOs) at a scavenger’s company located around the Kudandan Industrial Area in Kaduna South Local Government Area.”

He said the suspicious items were said to have been found within a load of waste recently transported from Borno.

“Upon receipt of the information, a specialised team of the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians, led by the Commander, promptly responded to the scene.

“After a thorough assessment, the items were confirmed to be unexploded military-grade ordinance bombs.

“The EOD team immediately evacuated the UXOs to a secure location, where they will be safely demolished in line with established safety protocols,” Mr Hassan said.

According to him, in the course of the operation, the following additional items were also recovered: one locally fabricated revolver pistol fully loaded with six rounds of ammunition, 15 rounds of 7.2mm live ammunition, three live cartridges, and other assorted ammunition.

He said the Commissioner of Police (CP), Muhammad Rabiu, has directed that the premises be sealed off to enable the EOD unit to conduct a thorough sweeping of the facility and ensure that no further explosive devices are present in the premises.

Mr Rabiu reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order.

The CP also called on the public to continue to provide useful and timely information that can aid in the prevention of crime and the protection of lives and property.

He further warned that all the scavengers’ companies and depots within the state should stop, with immediate effect, receiving consignments from crisis-prone areas, especially from the North-east.