The Nigerian Army has confirmed a minor explosion at its Ilese Barracks in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, assuring that the situation was swiftly brought under control without any loss of life.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, August 14, 2025, caused panic among residents, who fled in different directions after seeing smoke billowing from the barracks.
In a statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army explained that the explosion happened within one of the storage facilities of the 42nd Engineers Brigade Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Squadron.
According to her, the blast triggered a small fire that was promptly contained through the combined efforts of personnel from the 12 Field Engineer Regiment and the Ijebu-Ode Fire Service.
Anele disclosed that no one was injured in the incident and that structural damage was limited to the affected building and certain stored materials. She added that a comprehensive assessment was ongoing to determine the extent of material loss.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to the safety and security of its personnel and members of neighbouring communities,” she stated.
The Army urged residents of Ilese and surrounding communities to remain calm, noting that a thorough investigation had commenced to ascertain the cause of the explosion and prevent a recurrence.
Anele further confirmed that by midday, activities within and around the barracks had returned to normal, stressing that the incident posed no further threat to the public.
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