Police allay fears over planned destruction of expired explosives in Rivers

Residents in the Kporghor Community of Tai Local Government Area, Rivers State, have been alerted by the state Police Command regarding the planned destruction of expired explosive materials. Halliburton Energy Services Nigeria Limited will carry out the exercise, which involves rendering safe and destroying volatile substances currently in their custody.

The police confirmed that relevant experts have examined the materials and confirmed they have expired. The operation is scheduled to take place from Wednesday to Friday this week. A team of Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) operatives will conduct the controlled destruction.

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The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that approval has been granted to Halliburton Energy Services Nigeria Limited to render safe and destroy some explosive materials in its custody, which have been examined by relevant experts and found to have expired.

ASP Blessing Agabe, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, issued a statement urging the general public, particularly residents of Kporghor Community, not to panic if they hear loud explosions during the exercise. The command assured that all necessary precautionary measures have been implemented to prevent any potential danger.

Expired explosive materials are inherently dangerous due to their volatility and unpredictability. Over time, their chemical compounds can degrade or crystallize, increasing the risk of accidental detonation or hazardous leakage. Controlled disposal by trained experts is crucial for ensuring public safety in such situations.

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The general public, especially residents of Kporghor Community, are hereby advised not to panic if they hear loud explosions during the exercise, as every necessary precautionary measure has been put in place to avert any danger.