Nigerian Army Warns Against Handling Unexploded Ordnance In Rivers

The Headquarters of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt Barracks, has issued a warning against handling unexploded ordnance (UXO) after a recent discovery in Oromeruzimagu Community, Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Rivers State.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, the UXO was discovered by community members while digging a grave for a deceased person in a compound.

However, instead of reporting the discovery to the authorities, the locals evacuated the item to an air-conditioned room, allegedly to prevent detonation.

Nonetheless, the Army has condemned this action, citing the technical expertise required to handle such sensitive military-grade ordnance.

“Handling such sensitive military-grade ordnance requires technical capability. This act calls for caution, as it could have devastating consequences,” Danjuma warned.

Consequently, the Army has issued a public alert, urging members of the public to report any discoveries of UXO to the nearest security agency and avoid resorting to self-help.

“Members of the public are enjoined to please report such discoveries to the nearest security agency and avoid resorting to the dangerous practice of self-help,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, has assured the public that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure the safe evacuation of the UXO by trained personnel of the Division.

He thanked the community members for their efforts in reporting the case and reassured the good people of the Niger Delta Region of the Army’s commitment to their safety.