The Borno State Police Command has achieved a significant milestone in the fight against terrorism, deactivating no fewer than 17 explosives planted within the Maiduguri metropolis in the past two years. The police linked the deactivated explosives to the mindless terror activities of Boko Haram elements.
The most recent recovery was the discovery of eight explosives on November 22, 2024, in Dala and Gwange, highly populated locations within the Maiduguri metropolis. “The devices were recovered following distress calls from members of the public, which were promptly attended to and led to the swift intervention of the police before any havoc could occur,” said ASP Grace Micheal, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Command.
The eight explosives consisted of six projectiles, one mortar bomb, and one hand grenade. In August this year, the police reported the recovery of six suspected terrorist grenades in the Ajilari Cross area of Maiduguri, leading to the arrest of 20 suspects.
The state Commissioner of Police, Yusuf Lawal, said the grenades contained incendiary chemicals, adding that the area was thoroughly screened, and the projectiles recovered safely. “We take the safety of lives and properties very seriously, and we will continue to work tirelessly to prevent any harm to our citizens,” he said.
In July 2024, the state police anti-bomb squad deactivated an improvised explosive device hidden near Mala Kachalla General Hospital, a basic healthcare institution in Maiduguri. An eyewitness revealed that the IED did not explode because it was detected in good time.
“We discovered a bomb hidden near Mala Hospital at about midnight. We summoned the police anti-bomb team, which mobilised and was at the scene very quickly, but they were unable to disable the device until around 3 a.m.,” the eyewitness explained.
Furthermore, in December 2023, an Improvised Explosive Device was deactivated at the entrance of the University of Maiduguri. The spokesperson of the state police command, Nahum Daso, revealed that a suspicious device was noticed near the main gate of the institution.
“Immediately after the recovery, the command sanitised the general area to ensure it was safe for staff and students to continue their lawful activities within the area,” Daso said.
In May 2022, a solar-powered explosive device suspected to have been coupled by Boko Haram terrorists was found dumped at the Dalori-1 IDP camp, a crowded internally displaced persons camp in the state.
The explosives packaged in a plastic bucket were connected to a mini solar panel, which was suspected to be its main power source. ASP Daso reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring public safety.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of lives and properties. Therefore, we are urging residents to report any suspicious objects or movements to the police,” he appealed. The police command’s efforts have contributed significantly to the reduction of terrorist activities in the state.
