An explosion at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Ordnance Factory in Kaduna on Saturday claimed the life of one staff member, while several others sustained injuries, the management of the corporation confirmed.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. at the factory’s disposal pit during the destruction of expired explosives and raw materials used for arms production.
According to DICON, the items—comprising ammonium nitrate, primer caps, propellants, and other expired materials—had long exceeded their lifespan and were undergoing safe disposal. The corporation explained that the exercise had been ongoing since July 2025, with most of the volatile substances already destroyed before the unfortunate accident.
“The injured DICON staff are currently receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, while the body of the deceased personnel has been deposited at the mortuary,” said DICON spokesperson, Maria Sambo, in a statement.
She assured residents of the surrounding Kurmin Gwari community that the situation was under control, stressing that there was no cause for panic, as the remaining hazardous materials had been secured.
“DICON, as a responsible professional organisation, has institutionalised operational safety to the highest level. The neighbouring community is assured that they can go about their normal business,” the statement added.
The corporation further disclosed that a Board of Inquiry has been set up to ascertain the immediate cause of the explosion.
