The police command in Kaduna said its operatives have discovered explosive devices and recovered one locally-made pistol with 21 rounds of ammunition and other high-caliber weapons ammunition in Kaduna.

The command’s spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday.

Mr Hassan said, “On Friday, acting on credible intelligence received, the command was alerted to the presence of suspicious items believed to be Unexploded Ordnances (UXOs) at a scavenger’s company located around the Kudandan Industrial Area in Kaduna South Local Government Area.”

He said the explosives were reportedly found within a load of waste recently transported from Borno.

“Upon receipt of the information, a specialised team of the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians, led by the Commander, promptly responded to the scene. After a thorough assessment, the items were confirmed to be unexploded military-grade ordinance bombs.

“The EOD team immediately evacuated the UXOs to a secure location, where they will be safely demolished in line with established safety protocols,” Mr Hassan said.

According to him, during the operation, the following additional items were also recovered: one locally fabricated revolver pistol, fully loaded with six rounds of ammunition, 15 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, three live cartridges, and other assorted ammunition.

Meanwhile, police commissioner Muhammad Rabiu has directed that the premises be sealed off to enable the EOD unit to conduct a thorough sweep of the facility and ensure that no further explosive devices are present on the premises.

Mr Rabiu reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order. He also called on the public to continue providing useful and timely information that can aid in the prevention of crime and the protection of lives and property.

He further warned that all scavengers’ companies and depots within the state should stop, with immediate effect, receiving consignments from crisis-prone areas, especially those in the North-East.

(NAN)