The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbeokun has charged the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Commanders and Directing Staff to be more vigilant and proactive in monitoring the storage of explosive materials nationwide by persons or corporate entity.
IGP Egbetokun in acknowledgement of the evolving nature of security challenges across the country, also charge the EOD Commanders to be more responsive in tracking the production, importation, storage, transportation, distribution, and usage of explosives anywhere in the country.
The police boss who made this known in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP ‘Muyiwa Adejobi, emphasised the need for professionalism in combating armed and violent criminals.
The charge came on the heels of the Tuesday night Ibadan massive blast suspected to be caused by Improvise Explosive Devices(IEDs) stored in Old Bodija area of the ancient city by illegal foreign miners.
The Daily Crucible reports that the massive explosion left no fewer than five persons dead, injured scores of people and ruined property estimated to worth billions of Naira.
Egbetokun who addressed the EOD-CBRN at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Friday, however acknowledged the outstanding service of the Unit in safeguarding the country against evolving threats associated with explosive materials.
With specific reference to the unit’s pivotal role during the Boko Haram insurgency, the IGP commended their efforts in bringing an end to incessant bombing activities in the parts of the North geopolitical zone of the country.
He specifically mentioned recent achievements, including the safe rendering of an Anti-disturbance IED at the University of Maiduguri and road clearance operations in various locations in Borno State, facilitating the reintegration of citizens into their ancestral homes.
The IGP also commended the Unit for recovering five IEDs from an unregistered vehicle after neutralizing three members of a separatist group in Anambra State.
“The Inspector-General of Police while expressing full confidence in the abilities and dedication of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Units, reiterated the commitment of the NPF under his leadership to investing in trainings and equipping EOD personnel with the latest technologies to enhance their capabilities,” the statement reads in part.
