An explosion occurred at the Ordnance Factory Disposal pit of the Defence Industries Cooperation of Nigeria, DICON, on Saturday, resulting in the death of one person and injuring others. According to Maria Sambo, the spokesperson for DICON, the incident happened while specialists were disposal of expired materials at the pit.

The expired materials, which included Ammonia Nitrates, Primer Caps, and Propellants, had been stored in old bunkers and had exceeded their lifespans. DICON had initiated efforts to dispose of these items in a controlled manner since July and had successfully destroyed all the Ammonia Nitrates and most of the other items. However, the explosion occurred during the destruction of the remaining quantity of expired items.

The injured staff are receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna, while the body of the deceased has been deposited at the mortuary. DICON has assured the public that the situation is under control and there is no need for panic. The neighboring community has also been assured that DICON has operational safety measures in place and they can go about their normal business.

A board of inquiry has been set up to investigate the cause of the explosion. The incident highlights the importance of proper disposal of hazardous materials and the need for strict safety protocols in industries that handle such materials. DICON’s efforts to dispose of the expired items in a controlled manner are a step in the right direction, but the incident also underscores the risks involved in such operations.

The Defence Industries Cooperation of Nigeria is a key player in the country’s defence industry, and the incident is a setback for the organization. However, DICON’s prompt response and assurance of safety measures in place are positive steps towards mitigating the effects of the incident. The investigation into the cause of the explosion will be crucial in preventing such incidents in the future.