The Nigerian Military has confirmed that an explosion that occurred at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria arms factory in Kaduna led to the death of one individual and injured several others.
Maria Sambo, the Public Relations Officer of DICON explained that occurred at the Ordnance Factory Disposal Pit located in the Kakuri Industrial Area of Kaduna South Local Government around 10am on the fateful day.
“On Saturday, September 20, 2025, at about 10 am, an explosion occurred at DICON Ordnance Factory Disposal pit, killing one person and injuring others,” the statement said.
“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,” DICON disclosed.
“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.
“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,” it added.
“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,” the statement read.
The corporation however commiserated with affected staffs and family of the deceased while also allaying the fears of the people of Kakuri and neighbors communities.
“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,”
“The neighbouring community is assured that DICON, as a responsible professional organisation, has institutionalised operational safety to the highest level, and they can go about their normal business. The remaining materials have been made safe,” the statement further assured.