DICON Ordinance Explosion: Matawalle visits Factory, Says Situation under control
Following the accidental explosion that occurred at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Ordnance Disposal Pit on Saturday, 20 September 2025, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle on Sunday, 21 September 2025, visited the DICON Ordnance Factory site in Kaduna.
A statement by the Ministry of Defence said the Minister was fully briefed by the Director-General of DICON, Major General B. I. Alaya, alongside the Director of Production, Air Commodore E. Benson.
The Minister also inspected the site and confirmed that the incident was very limited in scope.
“Only a single bulk of expired ordnance material was involved in the explosion, which was promptly and professionally contained by the DICON Ordnance Disposal Team on ground.
“Although unfortunate, the occurrence did not affect any of the factory buildings, offices, or storage facilities.
“There was not even a broken window or structural damage.
“Similarly, the diesel reservoir and other critical installations within the complex remain safe and unaffected.
“There was no threat to surrounding communities, and no damage whatsoever to DICON facilities.
“The situation is fully under control.
“The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria remains safe, fully operational in its mandate of supporting the Armed Forces and meeting the nation’s defence requirements.
“Meanwhile, a Board of Inquiry has been constituted to investigate the causes of the incident.
“The Minister emphasized that the outcome of this inquiry will be utilised to further strengthen safety measures and enhance operational protocols in line with global best practices.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety, security, and protection of all personnel and staff in every operational environment.
“The general public is hereby urged to remain calm and to disregard any misleading or exaggerated reports concerning the incident.”
© 2025, Standard Focus. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from STANDARD FOCUS.