The Niger police command says it has recovered an unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the Zugurma community, Mashegu LGA of the state.
In a recent statement, Wasiu Abiodun, police spokesperson in Niger state, said the recovery followed a report received on Monday from the divisional police officer (DPO) of the Ibbi division.
Abiodun said police operatives moved to the scene and cordoned off the area after residents spotted an object suspected to be a missile in a forest within the community.
According to him, Adamu Elleman, commissioner of police in the state, ordered the deployment of personnel to the location, while the command’s explosive ordnance disposal–chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (EOD-CBRN) unit, led by Mohammed Mamun, was dispatched to the area on Tuesday.
“The EOD team rendered the device safe and recovered it before conveying it to the state police headquarters in Minna,” the statement reads.
He added that the object was identified as a UXO missile, noting that its source was yet to be determined.
The police spokesperson said an investigation into the incident is ongoing and assured that updates would be provided.
Abiodun added that the commissioner of police urged residents to remain calm, noting that security agencies have been deployed to ensure safety and restore normalcy in the area.
