An early morning explosion at the Sappers Barracks in Ilese, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, has prompted swift action from military and local authorities.
The blast, which occurred on Thursday at a mini store within the barracks, is believed to have been caused by bombs stored in the military armoury, according to a report by PM news. Eyewitnesses suggest a possible heat buildup in the storage facility, though this has not been officially confirmed.
The explosion caused alarm in the Ilese community, with residents describing a loud bang that echoed through the area. Authorities have not reported any casualties, and information on injuries or structural damage remains limited. Access to the site has been restricted for security and investigation purposes.
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Military sources say personnel have cordoned off the area while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit is expected to assess the scene, determine the exact cause and ensure no further risks remain. The Nigerian Army has yet to issue an official statement.
A statement posted on X by @sfojoemmanuela urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information. Further updates are expected as investigations progress.
The incident has raised questions about the storage and handling of explosives in military facilities, particularly those located in densely populated areas such as Ijebu Ode.
The Ilese blast follows a separate explosion near the Mogadishu Barracks in Abuja on 26 May 2025, when a suspected suicide bomber was killed after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated. That incident, confirmed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), highlighted ongoing security concerns around Nigeria’s military installations.
