An ordnance explosion rocked the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) facility in Kaduna on Saturday, September 20, 2025, resulting in one fatality and several injuries. The incident, which occurred around 10 a.m. at the DICON Ordnance Factory Disposal pit in Kurmin Gwari, sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents reporting strong vibrations that shattered window glasses in nearby homes and caused widespread panic.

According to official statements from both the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and DICON, the blast took place during the controlled destruction of expired ordnance materials. These hazardous substances included Ammonium Nitrate, primer caps, propellants, and other raw materials that had long exceeded their shelf life. DICON had initiated efforts for the controlled disposal of these items since July 2025, and by September, most of the materials, particularly the Ammonia Nitrates, had already been successfully destroyed. The unfortunate accident occurred as specialists were concluding the destruction of the remaining stock at the disposal pit.

The injured personnel were initially rushed to St. Gerard Catholic Hospital, Kakuri, before being transferred by military ambulances to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna for further treatment. The body of the deceased personnel has been deposited at the mortuary. Eyewitnesses confirmed that civilian workers were among those who sustained injuries during the explosion.

Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, the Director Defence Information, confirmed the incident on behalf of the DHQ, while Maria Sambo, DICON's Public Relations Officer, also issued a statement detailing the event. Both officials conveyed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery. The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, also extended his commiserations.

Assurances were promptly issued to the public and surrounding communities that the situation was under control and posed no threat. DICON emphasized its commitment to institutionalized operational safety at the highest level, stating that the remaining materials had been made safe. To ascertain the immediate cause of the incident and prevent any future recurrence, both the DHQ and DICON have ordered thorough investigations and instituted a board of inquiry.