21 Years After Lagos Cantonment Blasts: Nigerian Army Commences Removal of Unexploded Bombs

Two decades after the catastrophic Ikeja Cantonment Bomb Blasts rocked Lagos, the Nigerian Army is embarking on a crucial mission to safely remove unexploded ordnance from the cantonment area. Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), made this announcement during a visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the State House, Marina on Monday.

General Lagbaja’s visit was aimed at apprising the Governor of the Army’s forthcoming activities in Lagos, emphasizing their role in maintaining the peace and stability that the region has enjoyed. He revealed that a ceremony has been organized to meticulously eliminate unexploded ordnances remaining from the 2002 Bomb Explosion in Ikeja cantonment. The primary objective is to guarantee the safety of the area while securely transporting the hazardous materials to a designated location in Ajilete, Ogun State.

With the year-end festive season approaching and citizens planning extensive travel, General Lagbaja emphasized the need for safe and secure passages. In response, the Army has devised three security exercises set to launch on Tuesday in Lagos to prevent any potential security breaches.

General Lagbaja extended his gratitude to the people and the State Government for their substantial support towards Army units and formations. He recognized the significance of Lagos Government’s infrastructure renewal initiatives, stating that improved infrastructure would facilitate rapid military responses to security crises. Furthermore, he highlighted the benefits that military personnel would derive from Lagos’ Blue and Red Line rail projects, which would greatly enhance their commuting experience.

Governor Sanwo-Olu lauded the Nigerian Army for earning the trust and respect of citizens through their unwavering commitment, dedication, and patriotism. He praised the Army for upholding the constitution, maintaining high integrity, and adhering to the best rules of engagement to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.

Recalling the challenging period following the 2002 Ikeja bomb explosion, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the incident did not deter the military’s resolve. He acknowledged the Army’s dedication to fulfilling their constitutional duties and stressed that the sacrifices made by soldiers to preserve the country’s territorial integrity and peace would not go unnoticed. The Governor pledged the Lagos State Government’s unwavering support for the Army’s security operations.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also expressed his commitment to rebuilding a military primary school in Orile that had been demolished for the construction of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. He requested the cooperation of military personnel in restoring order to the Lagos-Badagry corridor, where the state government has been demolishing illegal shanties built along the expressway.

Additionally, the Governor appealed for cooperation among military personnel in the ongoing enforcement efforts across Lagos, including the enforcement of the Okada ban. He emphasized that these enforcement initiatives were aimed at restoring order and preserving public assets in the state.

Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded by highlighting the importance of synergy among all security agencies to maintain security and ensure the safety of commercial activities in Lagos.