The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of nine unexploded military-grade bombs at the site of Saturday’s fatal explosion at Yongxing Steel Company in Mariri, along the Ring Road.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Hussaini Abdullahi, disclosed that the explosives identified as Unexploded Ordnance (UXOs) were inadvertently transported to the factory mixed in with scrap metal.
The incident, which claimed at least five lives and left several others injured, was initially suspected to be caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), but police investigations have since ruled out any links to terrorism or deliberate detonation.
A specialized Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team from the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) unit led the post-blast assessment.
According to the team, the explosion was the result of a military ordnance unintentionally activated during routine industrial operations at the scrap processing facility.
Police said the first phase of recovery led to the discovery of seven unexploded devices, with two additional bombs found later during extended clearance operations bringing the total to nine.
“There is no indication of sabotage or terror-related activity. These were military-grade bombs, likely discarded and unknowingly mixed in with metal scraps,” DSP Abdullahi stated.
In response to the incident, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Many of the wounded are receiving treatment at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
CP Bakori emphasized that the situation is under control and assured residents there is no immediate threat to public safety.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious items or activities through the police emergency hotlines.
The police have initiated broader investigations to trace the origin of the recovered explosives and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Authorities are also collaborating with the management of the steel company to ensure tighter inspection protocols for incoming scrap materials.
As safety checks and documentation continue at the blast site, security operatives are maintaining a visible presence in the area to reassure residents and deter panic.
The explosion has sparked renewed calls for stricter regulation of the scrap metal industry, particularly regarding the screening of materials with potential military origins.
