The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has confirmed that the expired ordinance explosion that occurred on Saturday in Kaduna killed one person while several others were injured.
DICON Public Relations Officer, Maria Sambo in a statement issued Saturday said the explosion occurred at DICON Ordnance Factory Disposal pit at about 10.00a.m
Sambo explained that some old storage bunkers used to store raw materials for production contained several expired materials for production which have exceeded their lifespans, including a large quantity of Ammonia Nitrates, Primer Caps, Propellants and others.
She said DICON had earlier initiated efforts since July 2025 to ensure the controlled disposal of these expired items and successfully destroyed all the Ammonia Nitrates and the majority of other items.
Sambo noted: “However, the unfortunate accident of the explosion occurred while specialists were concluding the destruction of the remaining quantity of the expired items at the disposal pit on Saturday, 20 September 2025.
“The injured DICON staff are currently receiving treatment at 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, while the body of the deceased Personnel has been deposited at the mortuary.
“While commiserating with staff, families and friends of the deceased and wishing the injured a quick recovery, DICON assures the general public that the unfortunate incident is under control and there is no need for panic.”
Sambo assured the neighbouring community that DICON, as a responsible professional organisation, has institutionalised operational safety to the highest level, saying they can go about their normal business.
She said the remaining materials have been made safe.
Sambo revealed that a Board of Inquiry has been instituted to unravel the immediate cause of the unfortunate incident.