Following the commencement of the Exercise codenamed “EXERCISE CLEAN SWEEP” on October 10, 2023, to clear remnants of unexploded ordnances from the site of the 2002 Ikeja Cantonment Bomb Blast, the Nigerian Army has made significant progress. The ongoing exercise, which has reached an advanced stage, has resulted in the recovery of various calibers of unexploded ordnances. Out of these, 642 have been professionally disposed of on October 27, 2023, at the Nigerian Army Range in Owode Ajilete.

The search and recovery phase of the exercise have been successfully completed, transitioning into the final inspection of the site, which has now earnestly commenced. As per the outlined Exercise plan conveyed during the Inauguration Press briefing and Flag Off by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja on October 10, 2023, a final Unexploded Ordnance Disposal (UXO) task is scheduled for completion on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the Nigerian Army Range in Owode Ajilete, Ogun State.

During this process, there will be the movement of Unexploded Ordnances (UXOs) from Ikeja Cantonment to the NA Range in Owode Ajilete. Additionally, the disposal exercise will involve detonations resulting in loud sounds.

The Nigerian Army urges members of the general public, particularly those residing around Owode, Ajilete, and the surrounding areas, to remain calm and not panic upon hearing the sound of explosions. Necessary safety measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of lives and properties throughout the exercise.