An ordnance explosion at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) facility in Kaduna on Saturday, September 20, 2025, tragically resulted in one fatality and injuries to several personnel. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and DICON both confirmed the incident, which occurred during the controlled destruction of expired hazardous materials.

According to official statements from the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, and the Director General of DICON, Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya (whose statement was signed by Maria Sambo), the explosion happened around 10 a.m. at DICON’s Ordnance Factory disposal pit. Specialists were in the process of concluding the destruction of remaining quantities of expired substances, which included ammonium nitrate, primer caps, propellants, and other hazardous items. These materials, stored in old bunkers used for raw material production, had exceeded their safe lifespans.

DICON had commenced efforts for the controlled disposal of these expired items in July 2025, successfully destroying all the ammonium nitrate and the majority of other materials prior to this incident. The unfortunate explosion occurred precisely as specialists were concluding the destruction of the final remaining items at the disposal pit.

The injured DICON personnel are currently receiving medical treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna, while the body of the deceased has been deposited at the mortuary. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and wished a swift recovery to those injured. DICON management also commiserated with staff, families, and friends affected by the incident.

Both the military authorities and DICON have provided assurances to the general public, stating that the situation is under control and there is no cause for concern or panic. The surrounding and neighbouring communities have been reassured that DICON, as a responsible and professional organization, maintains strict operational safety standards and has institutionalized the highest levels of safety protocols. To determine the immediate cause of this unfortunate incident, a Board of Inquiry has been formally constituted by DICON. DICON further reiterated its commitment to upholding rigorous safety protocols and conducting a thorough investigation to prevent any future occurrences, adding that the remaining materials at the site have been rendered safe.