In an effort to avert another bomb disaster in Lagos, the Nigerian Army has revealed that preparations have been finalized to commence the disposal of unexploded ordnances at the Ikeja cantonment, only 21 years after the explosion that killed many people in the state.
The Army stated that the removal of the bomb was done to make the area safe and secure, while unexploded ordnances will be relocated to a safe location in the Ajilete area of Ogun State.
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), made the announcement yesterday at Lagos House in Marina, during a courtesy visit to State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Lagbaja, who stated that this was the cause for his visit to the 9 Brigade Military Cantonment in Ikeja, Lagos, stated that the relocation was required for the people’s protection.
The COAS stated that his visit was to tell the Governor of the Army’s upcoming activities in Lagos, saying that the exercises were aimed to further cement the peace and stability that Lagos has experienced.
He said: “The Nigerian Army has put together a ceremony to remove unexploded ordinance at the site of the 2002 Bomb Explosion in Ikeja cantonment. The objective is to make the area safe and securely remove unexploded ordnances to a safe location in the Ajilete area of Ogun State.
“We are ushering in the last three months of the year when citizens travel across the country for festivities. We need to provide safe and secure passage for the people traveling. We have put together three security exercises to prevent any form of breaches and these will be flagged off on Tuesday in Lagos.”
Lagbaja utilized the occasion to thank the people and the State Government for their “tremendous support” for Army troops and formations.
The Army chief complimented the Lagos government’s infrastructure reconstruction effort, emphasizing that enhanced infrastructure would go a long way toward assisting the military in responding quickly to security crises needing speedy interventions.
He stated that military troops will be key benefactors of Lagos’ Blue and Red Line rail developments, as the trains will help them commute.
Previously, Sanwo-Olu praised the Nigerian Army for adhering to the rules of engagement and being professional in its peacekeeping duty across the country.
The Governor stated that the Army had continued to fulfill its constitutionally mandated tasks, emphasizing that the sacrifices made by soldiers to maintain the country’s territorial integrity and peace would not go unnoticed.
The Army, according to the Governor, has gained citizens’ trust and respect as a member of the nation’s armed forces because of its commitment, loyalty, and patriotism.
Sanwo-Olu said: “We are grateful to the Army and its men for their dedication to the country at this difficult time in different parts of the country. You have continued to uphold the constitution, maintain high integrity, and stick to the best rules of engagement to protect the sovereignty of our country. The Army is well respected by the citizens, given the commitment, dedication, and sense of patriotism in discharging its statutory roles.
“The 2002 Ikeja bomb explosion was a trying moment for the Army, given the magnitude of the damage. But the event never weakened the resolve of the military. The Army has continued to live up to their responsibilities provided by the constitution and the sacrifice paid by soldiers to keep the territorial integrity and peace of our country would not go unappreciated. Lagos State Government is committed to ensuring that the Army gets all the necessary support for your security operations.”
The Governor informed the Army chief that the State Government would reconstruct a military primary school in Orile that had been razed to make room for the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. He requested military assistance in restoring calm to the Lagos-Badagry corridor, where the State Government has been dismantling illegal shanties established along the freeway.
Sanwo-Olu also urged military personnel to work together in the ongoing enforcement across Lagos, particularly the Okada ban enforcement. He stated that the continuous enforcement was aimed at restoring sanity to the state and protecting public assets.
The Governor said: “We have a collective responsibility to keep Lagos safe for commercial activities. It is important to acknowledge the complementary effort of the 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in supporting our security architecture in Lagos, with OP Mesa operatives working with the police to ensure our safety. That synergy among all security agencies is all that is required to maintain security.”
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