The Nigerian Army has successfully disposed of 642 unexploded bombs recovered from the Ikeja Military Cantonment as part of its ongoing operation codenamed ‘Exercise Clean Sweep’.
News About Nigeria reports that the operation, which commenced on October 10, 2023, aimed to clear remnants of unexploded ordnance from the site of the 2002 Ikeja Cantonment Bomb blast.
According to a statement released on Thursday by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Public Relations for the Nigerian Army, the service has completed the search and recovery phase of the exercise.
Out of the various calibres of unexploded ordnances recovered, a total of 642 have been professionally disposed of as of October 27, 2023, at the Nigerian Army Range in Owode Ajilete.
The statement outlined that the site’s final inspection is underway and aligns with the exercise plan outlined during the inauguration press briefing and flag-off by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on October 10, 2023.
The final unexploded ordnance disposal task is scheduled for Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the Nigerian Army Range in Owode Ajilete, Ogun State.
Residents in the vicinity of Owode Ajilete and the surrounding areas were reassured in the statement, urging them not to panic upon hearing sounds of explosions during the disposal exercise.
“Consequently, members of the general public, especially those resident around Owode, Ajilete, and the environs are urged to please, not panic on hearing the sound of explosions, but go about their normal businesses, as necessary safety measures have been placed to ensure safety of life and property throughout the exercise,” the statement added.
The Nigerian Army has implemented necessary safety measures to ensure the protection of life and property throughout the exercise.
