By HAMZA SULEIMAN

The Borno State Police Command has averted a potential explosion in Maiduguri following the recovery and neutralisation of an Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) discovered beneath a telecommunications mast.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Nahum Anipr, said in a statement on Monday that the device was found at Chuskon, Federal Low Cost Area, Maiduguri.

He said the incident was reported at about 11:06 a.m. through the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), ITE Police Division, after residents sighted a suspected explosive device beneath a network mast in the area.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police in Borno, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, promptly directed the Commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Base 13, Maiduguri, to mobilise to the scene.

“The EOD-CBRN team swiftly responded, cordoned off the area and, in line with standard operating procedures, successfully rendered the device safe,” Anipr said.

He explained that preliminary assessment revealed that the UXO, which had two protruding wires, was strategically planted by yet-to-be-identified persons with the intent to cause damage and endanger public safety.

Items recovered at the scene included a hand plier, a T-shirt and a pair of shoes.

The police spokesman said that following the operation, officers conducted sensitisation and safety awareness sessions for members of the community, stressing the need for vigilance, prompt reporting of suspicious objects and cooperation with security agencies.

Anipr said the Commissioner of Police had directed all DPOs across the state to intensify patrols and strengthen security around critical public and private assets, particularly communication facilities and other sensitive infrastructure.

Hr reassured residents of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, while urging members of the public to continue to support the police with timely and credible information.

He added that investigation into the incident was ongoing as normal activities had since resumed in the area.

The police also advised residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the command’s emergency lines: 08068075581 and 08023473293. (NAN)