Police avert disaster, recover bomb in Borno

The Borno State Police Command says it averted a potential disaster after operatives recovered an unexploded ordnance capable of causing severe damage at Chuskon, Federal Low Cost Area of Maiduguri, the state capital.

PUNCH Metro learnt from a statement issued on Monday by the command’s spokesperson, Nahum Daso, that residents alerted the police to the presence of the explosive, which had been placed beneath a telecommunications mast.

He stated that upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police directed a team of explosive experts to the scene for immediate action.

Daso said, “The EOD-CBRN team swiftly responded, cordoned off the area, and, in line with standard operating procedures, successfully rendered the device safe.

“Preliminary assessment revealed that the unexploded ordnance, with two protruding wires, was strategically placed by yet-to-be-identified person(s) to cause severe damage and havoc. One hand plier, a T-shirt, and a pair of shoes were found at the scene.

“Following the operation, the command conducted sensitisation and safety awareness sessions for community members, emphasising the importance of vigilance, prompt reporting of suspicious objects, and cooperation with security agencies to prevent security breaches.”

The PPRO noted that investigations had commenced into the incident, adding that the situation had been brought under control.

He also stated that divisional police officers across the state had been directed to intensify patrols in their respective areas.

“The Borno State Police Command reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges the public to continue to support the police with timely and credible information.

“While investigation is ongoing, the situation has since been brought under control, and normal activities have resumed in the area. Members of the public are also advised to remain vigilant,” Daso stated.

This is not the first time explosives have been recovered in communities across Borno State.

PUNCH Metro reported on August 18 that the command uncovered an unexploded ordnance on farmland in the Dikwa Local Government Area of the state.

Daso had stated that the recovery followed a report from one Babagana Kachalla, who sighted a suspicious object on his farmland.

Before this incident, there was a report that twenty worshippers of the First Evangelical Church Winning All in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, were abducted during a church service.

According to eyewitness accounts, bandits stormed the church during worship, firing sporadically to cause panic among congregants.

This forced many worshippers to flee, while an undisclosed number were seized and taken away through nearby bush paths.