THE Nigerian Army has confirmed that an early morning explosion and subsequent fire outbreak at Ilese Barracks, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, has been successfully contained, with no casualties reported.
The incident occurred on Thursday, August 14, 2025, within a storage building belonging to the 42nd Engineers Brigade Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Squadron.
According to the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, the blast triggered a limited fire that was quickly brought under control by troops from the 12 Field Engineer Regiment, working alongside personnel of the Ijebu-Ode Fire Service.
“A localized explosion occurred within one of the storage buildings of the 42 Engineers Brigade Counter Improvised Explosive Device Squadron, leading to a limited fire outbreak,” Anele stated.
“Swift intervention by our troops, in collaboration with the Ijebu-Ode Fire Service, ensured the fire was quickly contained.”
The Army spokesperson stressed that no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded during the incident. The damage was restricted to the affected storage building and some of its contents.
“Importantly, no lives were lost, and no injuries were sustained. The structural damage was confined to the affected building and some stored materials,” she noted.
Anele disclosed that a detailed assessment was ongoing to determine the full extent of material loss, while assuring residents of Ilese and neighbouring communities that there was no cause for alarm.
“We urge residents of Ilese and adjoining communities to remain calm and go about their normal activities. The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with relevant agencies, has commenced a thorough investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the incident and to prevent a recurrence,” she added.
The coordinated efforts between Army engineers and state firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to other sections of the barracks, averting what could have been a more devastating incident.
The Ilese Barracks, home to several Army engineering units, is a key operational base for counter-improvised explosive device operations in southwestern Nigeria.
