The Federal Government has launched an investigation into the explosion that rocked the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in Kaduna on Saturday, leaving at least one person dead and sparking fresh concerns about safety at the nation’s premier arms production facility.

Naijaonpoint recalls that the blast occurred at the Ordnance Factory Disposal Pit inside the DICON complex.

According to an official statement signed by the DICON spokesperson, Maria Sambo, the incident happened during the “final phase of controlled destruction” of expired explosives and hazardous materials that had long exceeded their shelf life.

These included dangerous substances such as ammonium nitrates, primer caps, and propellants, all key components used in the production of weapons.

While DICON confirmed one fatality, Channels Television quoted unconfirmed reports from community sources suggesting that as many as four people may have died, with several others sustaining injuries.

FG’s Response and Safety Concerns

The Managing Director of Beacon Security and Intelligence Ltd., and former Senate Head of Security, Kabir Adamu, described the incident as worrisome, but commended the government’s swift reaction.

“The President visited Kaduna, and the next thing we heard was an explosion after he left. The first question that came to mind was whether this was sabotage. But for now, there is no evidence of sabotage, it appears to be a safety accident,” Adamu said on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.

He added, “A committee has been set up to investigate what happened. But clearly, the explosion could have been prevented if stronger safety standards were in place.”

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has since visited the site to assess the situation, while federal authorities assured the public that the incident has been contained.

Adamu explained that the Kaduna explosion underscores the risks associated with Nigeria’s push for greater self-reliance in weapons production.

“One of the policies of this administration is to increase local weapons production by 40 percent. It’s a commendable move, because it reduces dependence on foreign arms and even opens opportunities for exports. But the downside is that we must strengthen our safety standards to prevent accidents like this,” he said.

He drew parallels with the tragic 2002 Ikeja cantonment blast, which killed hundreds and displaced thousands, warning that even small errors in handling explosives could lead to devastating consequences.

Adamu faulted the current process of collecting, storing, and disposing of expired explosives at DICON, saying “gaps” in the system need urgent correction.

“In my interaction with security personnel, the standards for handling these materials are still weak. There must be stricter protocols, better training, and closer supervision to avoid a repeat of this incident,” he stressed.

The investigation panel, according to government officials, will look into the immediate and remote causes of the blast and recommend stronger safety measures.

Until the committee submits its report, authorities are urging Nigerians not to jump to conclusions.

As Adamu put it: “Let’s not pre-empt the committee. We should wait for their report before drawing final conclusions.”

For residents of Kaduna, the incident has once again revived painful memories of past military-related explosions, while raising fears about whether communities living near such facilities are truly safe.