The Ikeja Military Cantonment in Lagos has witnessed a startling development, as the Nigerian Army officially acknowledges the discovery of a total of ninety-three unexploded bombs, referred to as ordnance. This revelation came to light during the ongoing operation named 'Exercise Clean Sweep,' according to a statement released by the army on Thursday.

Commencing on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, the operation aims to decontaminate the area that served as the epicenter of a bomb explosion in 2002. The army's report highlights the diverse calibers and characteristics of the recovered bombs.

Colonel Abdulrazaq Kazeem, the Director of the Directorate of Explosives Search and Disposal and the Coordinator of Exercise Clean Sweep, provided an update during the first briefing. He disclosed that a total of ninety-three unexploded ordnance had been successfully retrieved from the site thus far. Despite previous efforts to clear and dispose of explosives, remnants of unexploded ordnance have persistently surfaced, posing a significant threat to the safety of Cantonment residents and the surrounding environment.

Colonel Kazeem emphasized the meticulous approach to handling explosives, stating that ordinances approaching the maximum limits would be promptly moved to the range for disposal. He reassured that the current count of 93 remains within the safe threshold.

Lt Col Oluseyi Oladapo Bamikole, the Safety Officer, affirmed the implementation of necessary safety measures. Adequate equipment, demarcations, and trained personnel are in place to identify Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) before recovery from the site, ensuring the safety of personnel involved in the operation.