The Nigerian Army has announced the successful disposal of 642 unexploded bombs recovered from the Ikeja Military Cantonment under the operation codenamed “Exercise Clean Sweep.”
The recovery and disposal operation, which began on October 10, 2023, aimed to clear remnants of unexploded ordnances from the site of the 2002 Ikeja Cantonment Bomb blast.
Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Public Relations for the Nigerian Army, stated that the exercise reached an advanced stage, resulting in the recovery of various calibers of unexploded ordnances.
The disposal of 642 bombs took place on October 27, 2023, at the Nigerian Army Range in Owode Ajilete, Ogun State.
The statement mentioned that the search and recovery phase of the exercise has been completed, transitioning into the final inspection of the site. As outlined during the inauguration press briefing and flag-off by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, a final unexploded ordnance disposal task is scheduled for Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the Nigerian Army Range in Owode Ajilete.
The public has been assured of safety during the detonation exercise, and residents in the vicinity, especially around Owode Ajilete, have been urged not to panic upon hearing the sound of explosions. The Army emphasized that necessary safety measures are in place to ensure the protection of life and property throughout the exercise.
