93 Unexploded Bombs Safely Recovered During ‘Exercise Clean Sweep’ in Lagos

In a crucial operation aimed at ensuring the safety and security of the Ikeja Military Cantonment in Lagos, a total of 93 unexploded ordnances (UXOs) have been successfully recovered. This significant development occurred within the ongoing ‘Exercise Clean Sweep,’ which was initiated on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

The exercise’s primary objective is to disinfect the epicenter of the 2002 bomb blast at the cantonment, and it has proven to be a critical endeavor. The recovered unexploded bombs varied in terms of calibers and descriptions, presenting a unique set of challenges for the dedicated team involved in the operation.

Colonel Abdulrazaq Kazeem, the Director at the Directorate of Explosives Search and Disposal, Nigeria Army Engineers and Coordinator of ‘EXERCISE CLEAN SWEEP,’ provided a comprehensive update on the progress of the operation. He stated, “So far, a total of 93 unexploded ordnance have been recovered from the site.”

Despite previous clearance and disposal efforts, remnants of UXOs continued to be discovered within and around the vicinity of the 2002 bomb blast. This posed a substantial threat to the safety and security of both the cantonment’s inhabitants and the surrounding environment.

Colonel Kazeem emphasized the stringent safety measures in place for handling and disposing of the unexploded ordnance. He explained, “The moment we reach the maximum limits of explosives within our holding area, such ordinances will be moved to the range. We would not exceed a kilogram above the explosive limits because it is measured in kilogram. At 93, we have not yet reached the limits.”

In addition, Lt. Col Oluseyi Oladapo Bamikole, the Safety Officer, assured the public of the comprehensive safety measures taken to protect personnel involved in the operation. These measures include providing the necessary equipment, clear demarcations, and trained personnel to identify UXOs before their safe recovery from the site. The operation continues to make significant progress in making the Ikeja Military Cantonment a safer place for all.