The Nigerian Army has confirmed a small explosion at its Ilese Barracks in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, assuring that the incident was swiftly contained and caused no loss of life.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, said in a statement that the blast occurred in the early hours of Thursday, August 14, 2025, inside a storage facility of the 42nd Engineers Brigade Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Squadron.
She explained that the explosion sparked a brief fire which was “swiftly contained through the combined efforts of personnel from the 12 Field Engineer Regiment and the Ijebu-Ode Fire Service.”
According to Anele, no injuries were recorded, and structural damage was limited to the affected building and some stored materials. A full assessment is ongoing to determine the extent of material loss.
The Army urged residents of Ilese and surrounding communities to remain calm, noting that an investigation has begun to uncover the cause of the blast and prevent future incidents.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to the safety and security of its personnel and members of neighbouring communities,” Anele stated. She added that by midday, normal activities had resumed within and around the barracks, and there was “no further threat to the public.”
