A suspected explosion involving a military-grade mortar bomb has claimed the lives of five people and injured 15 others in Kano in the early hours of Saturday.
The blast, which occurred in a yet-to-be-disclosed part of the city, triggered widespread panic and prompted an emergency response from security operatives and medical teams.
Speaking at the scene, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, confirmed that preliminary investigations suggest the explosion may have been caused by a military ordnance, potentially mishandled during transport.
“I received a call that something serious had happened. When I arrived, I found that it was a suspected explosion—possibly a military mortar bomb. Fifteen people were injured, and unfortunately, five died,” Bakori said.
According to him, the victims were promptly evacuated to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention, while the blast site was secured for further investigation.
Early findings point to a trailer allegedly coming from Yobe State, which may have been transporting the explosive material. However, the police chief clarified that it remains unknown whether the vehicle belonged to the military or to private contractors.
“We are still gathering facts. It is unclear whether the trailer was carrying military personnel or was part of a logistics operation,” Bakori stated.
He noted that bomb disposal units and forensic teams have been deployed to the site to ascertain the nature and origin of the device and assured the public that a full investigation is underway.
While urging calm, the commissioner emphasised the need for vigilance and cooperation from residents to aid the ongoing inquiry.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of northern Nigeria, where movements of military-grade weapons have previously been reported in conflict-prone zones. The government is yet to issue an official statement as of the time of filing this report.