The Niger State Police Command has recovered a suspected military unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Mashegu Local Government Area.
The development was confirmed in a statement on Tuesday, January 6, by the command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, who said the recovery followed a report on Monday from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ibbi Division, Mashegu.
According to the police, residents of Zugurma community had sighted an object suspected to be a missile in a nearby forest. Police operatives promptly moved to the scene, cordoned off the area, and ensured the safety of the community.
“Following the report received from DPO Ibbi Division Mashegu LGA on 5th January, 2026 at about 2pm, indicating that locals sighted a suspected missile in the forest, police operatives moved to the scene and cordoned off the area for safety,” the statement read.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, directed the EOD-CBRN unit to handle the situation. On January 6, at around 6am, the EOD team led by CSP Mohammed Mamun safely recovered the device and moved it to the State Police Headquarters in Minna. The object was confirmed as a military unexploded ordnance, though its source remains unknown.
“Meanwhile, further investigations are ongoing, and any new developments will be communicated to the public,” the statement added.
The police have urged residents to remain calm, assuring that all security agencies are working to restore normalcy in the area.