1 feared dead as explosion rocks DICON in Kaduna
Story by Jessica Mbamah
A massive explosion on Saturday rocked the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in Kaduna, leaving one person dead and several others injured.
The blast, which reportedly occurred during the controlled disposal of expired gunpowder materials at the factory’s ordinance disposal pit in Kurmin Gwari, shook surrounding buildings and sent residents scampering for safety.
Witnesses described the incident as terrifying, with vibrations strong enough to shatter window glasses in nearby homes.
An eyewitness told our correspondent that civilian workers were among those injured.
According to the source, “The injured were first rushed to St. Gerard Catholic Hospital, Kakuri, before military ambulances later transferred them to 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna metropolis.”
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A resident, Ose Akioya, who shared his experience in a Facebook post, recounted how the explosion almost knocked him off his feet.
“I was in Kakuri this morning close to DIC when that explosion almost knocked me off my feet. It was actually crazy. The vibration shattered glasses and all I could see was people panicking and running,” he wrote.
Another resident, who lives close to the factory, said, “I heard a very big blast that shook surrounding buildings. We thought it was a bomb, but later learnt it happened inside the DICON factory.”
According to information later released by DICON, the explosion occurred around 10 a.m. while specialists were disposing of expired ordnance materials stored at the factory.
The affected items included Ammonia Nitrates, Primer Caps, Propellants, and other raw materials that had long exceeded their shelf life.
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A statement signed by the corporation’s Public Relations Officer, Maria Sambo, explained that DICON had since July 2025 initiated efforts to dispose of the expired items.
By September, most of the materials especially the Ammonia Nitrates had already been destroyed in controlled operations.
Unfortunately, the accident occurred while experts were concluding the destruction of the remaining stock.
“One person died in the incident while several others sustained injuries. The injured staff are currently receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, while the body of the deceased personnel has been deposited at the mortuary,” the statement said.
DICON extended condolences to the bereaved family and wished the injured quick recovery.
It further assured the public that the situation was under control and that there was no need for panic.
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“The neighbouring community is assured that DICON, as a responsible professional organisation, has institutionalised operational safety to the highest level, and they can go about their normal business. The remaining materials have been made safe,” Sambo stated.
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