DICON EXPLOSION ROCKS KADUNA: DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS LAUNCHES PROBE, MOURNS VICTIMS

Kaduna, Nigeria – Tragedy struck in Kaduna on Saturday as a powerful explosion ripped through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) factory, leaving one dead and several injured. The deafening blast, which shook homes across Chikun and Kaduna South Local Government Areas, has sent shockwaves through the state and raised fresh questions about safety protocols at one of Nigeria’s most strategic military facilities.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Sunday announced a full-scale investigation into the incident, pledging to uncover the root cause and prevent a recurrence.

In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military assured the public that “the situation is now under control and there is no cause for panic.”

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, expressed his deep condolences to the bereaved families, praying for the repose of the departed soul and a quick recovery for the injured.

What Went Wrong?

DICON, in its official statement signed by spokesperson Maria Sambo, revealed that the explosion occurred around 10 a.m. at its Ordnance Factory Disposal Pit during the final phase of disposing expired military materials.

According to the corporation, the items included large quantities of ammonium nitrate, primer caps, propellants, and other highly volatile materials that had exceeded their lifespans. Efforts to destroy them began in July 2025, with most of the hazardous stock already successfully neutralized.

“Unfortunately, the accident happened while specialists were concluding the destruction of the remaining stock,” the statement read.

The injured victims are currently receiving treatment at 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, while the deceased personnel’s remains have been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the blast sent shockwaves across the city. Residents reported tremors in several neighborhoods, with many mistaking the explosion for an earthquake or a terror attack.

“It was like the ground itself shook under our feet. People ran out of their homes, thinking the worst had happened,” said a resident of Kakuri, near the factory.

Medical personnel in Kaduna confirmed that several casualties were rushed in for emergency treatment, with health workers battling to save the critically injured.

Despite the tragedy, DICON and DHQ insist that safety remains a top priority at the corporation, stressing that lessons will be drawn from the incident. Authorities have vowed transparency in the probe, promising that findings will be made public.

For now, Kaduna mourns its loss, with a lingering sense of unease over the deadly explosion at the heart of Nigeria’s military production hub.