One dead as expired materials cause explosion in DICON factory.

By Omodele Adigun

One person has lost his life following an explosion that rocked the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) early Saturday.

This was confirmed via a statement signed on behalf of DICON’s Director General by Maria Sambo, the corporation’s Public Relations Officer (PRO).

Sambo also disclosed that the explosion left several others injured.

The blast which 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.

The statement reads, “On Saturday, 20 September 2025, at about 10 am, an explosion occurred at DICON Ordnance Factory Disposal pit, killing one person and injuring others.

“Some old storage bunkers used to store Raw Materials for production contained several expired materials for production which have exceeded their lifespans, including a large quantity of Ammonia Nitrates, Primer Caps, Propellants and others.”

Sambo added that DICON had earlier initiated efforts since July 2025 to ensure the controlled disposal of these expired items and successfully destroyed all the Ammonia Nitrates and the majority of other items.

She continued, “However, the unfortunate accident of the explosion occurred while specialists were concluding the destruction of the remaining quantity of the expired items at the disposal pit on Saturday, 20 September 2025.

“The injured DICON staff are currently receiving treatment at 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, while the body of the deceased Personnel has been deposited at the mortuary.”

DICON extended condolences to the bereaved family and wished the injured quick recovery, while also assuring the public that the situation was under control and that there was no need for panic.

“While commiserating with staff, families and friends of the deceased and wishing the injured a quick recovery, DICON assures the general public that the unfortunate incident is under control and there is no need for panic.

“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.”

“Accordingly, a Board of Inquiry has been instituted to unravel the immediate cause of the unfortunate incident,” Sambo added.