Police Launch Explosive Risk Awareness Campaign to Safeguard Kogi Scrap Dealers, Residents

By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.

In a proactive effort to prevent explosive-related accidents and enhance public safety, the Kogi State Police Command has organized an Explosive Ordnance Risk Awareness and Sensitization Campaign in Lokoja.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, for the Police Command in the state,SP.William Aya and copied The Reporters in Lokoja on Sunday.

According to him, the event, held on Saturday, was spearheaded by the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Base 33, Lokoja, in collaboration with the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN), Kogi State Chapter.

The campaign brought together scrap and waste dealers from across the state to educate them on the dangers of mishandling explosive materials often mistaken for scrap metal. It also emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols in their day-to-day operations.

Delivering a lecture at the event, the Commander of EOD Base 33, Lokoja, CSP Danladi Ameh, sensitized participants on how to identify, manage, and safely report suspected explosive ordnance.

He warned that failure to recognize and properly handle such materials could lead to devastating loss of lives and property,urging scrap dealers to immediately notify security agencies upon discovering any suspicious metallic object.

The awareness campaign also featured practical demonstrations on identifying explosive devices, safety measures, and emergency response procedures. The initiative underscored the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and the public in maintaining a secure environment.

Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to public safety, SP Aya, called on residents, especially those in the scrap and waste business, to remain alert and work closely with security agencies to prevent explosive-related incidents in the state.