An explosion at the Ordnance Factory disposal pit of the Defence Industries Cooperation of Nigeria (DICON) on Saturday killed one person and injured several others. The blast occurred while specialists were disposing of expired materials stored in old bunkers, including ammonium nitrate, primer caps and propellants that had exceeded their lifespans. DICON had been carrying out a controlled disposal programme since July, successfully destroying all the ammonium nitrate and most of the other items. The explosion happened during the destruction of the remaining quantity of expired material.
The injured staff are receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna, and the deceased’s body has been placed in the mortuary. DICON’s spokesperson, Maria Sambo, assured the public that the situation is under control and there is no cause for panic. The neighbouring community has also been told that operational safety measures are in place and that normal activities can continue.
A board of inquiry has been established to investigate the cause of the explosion. The incident underscores the importance of proper hazardous‑material disposal and strict safety protocols in industries that handle such substances. While DICON’s efforts to dispose of the expired items in a controlled manner are a step in the right direction, the blast highlights the inherent risks of these operations. The Defence Industries Cooperation of Nigeria, a key player in the country’s defence sector, faces a setback, but its prompt response and assurances of safety measures are positive steps toward mitigating the incident’s effects. The forthcoming investigation will be crucial in preventing similar events in the future.
Comments are closed for this story.