Kano blast not caused by IEDs – Police

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Investigations by experts in the  Kano state Police Command have shown that last Saturday’s explosion at Yongxing Steel Company in Mariri axis, Kano, was caused by Unexploded Ordinances (UXOs), not Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

The blast killed five people and left 15 others seriously wounded.

Police recovered seven UXOs on that Saturday, while further investigations led to the recovery of two more UXOs inside the company, bringing the total number to nine.

A statement by Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the Command,  Hussaini Abdullahi said,  “Following the incident of explosion at Yongxing Steel Company located along Ring Road, Mariri Quarters, Kano, at about 11:30 AM on Saturday, the 21st June, 2025, Post Blast Investigation by the Command’s team of Explosive Ordnance Disposal- Chemical Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit Personnel reveals the explosion came from an Unexploded Ordnance – UXO, not from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) as was initially speculated.

“The UXOs had been unknowingly conveyed alongside scrap metals from Yobe state and one of them was accidentally exploded during the process of offloading.

“Premised on this, the command urges members of the public to remain calm and avoid unnecessary panic, as there is no imminent security threat.”

Meanwhile,  the State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has extended his condolences to the families of the five persons who lost their lives in the blast and prayed for the speedy recovery of others injured, all of whom are currently receiving treatment at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano.

The Kano Police Command urged residents to go about their lawful businesses without worry and kindly report any useful information or observed suspicious activities to the police through their emergency contact numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926.