Exercise Clean Sweep: #Nigerian Army Detonates #2055 Ordnances within 57 Days In Ajilete #Ogun

Following the directive of the Chief Of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Nigerian Army detonated 2055 Ordnances at the Range, Ajilete Owode Idiroko Area of Ogun state.

The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja NAM GSS PSC(+) USAWC CM FCM FCMH MSS said at the closing ceremony of “EXERCISE CLEAN SWEEP” at the NIGERIAN ARMY CANTONMENT IKEJA LAGOS, that,

” It is indeed with a sense of fulfilment and great pleasure that I return to this Press Briefing Hall today for the Closing Ceremony of Exercise CLEAN SWEEP.

” Exactly 57 days ago, I flagged off this Exercise to clear remnants of unexploded ordnances from the site of the 28 January 2002 Ikeja Cantonment Bomb Blast.

” Before now, the contaminated site has been a no-go area for inhabitants of the cantonment and environment as the Unexploded Explosive Ordnance therein posed a grave safety and security threat.

” I therefore stand here just about 2 months short of the 22nd anniversary of the bomb blast with a great sense of accomplishment, pride in the ability of our personnel, and gratitude to the Lord for the successful clearance of the harmful Unexploded Explosive Ordnance.

” Exercise CLEAN SWEEP witnessed the deployment of some of the most sophisticated Explosive Ordnance Disposal technologies and techniques available today in the market, which include ground penetrating radar detection systems, drone-propagated chemical clearance of vegetation, as well as remote-controlled Explosive Ordnance Disposal robots.

” Additionally, the best Nigerian Army personnel in Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Ammunition Technical Experts from Nigerian Army Engineers and the Nigerian Army Ordinance Corps were also employed.

” The efficient mobilization of these men and equipment resulted in the timely search/recovery and disposal of 2,055 Unexploded Explosive Ordnance of various calibres from the contaminated site.

” The blast’s epicentre, measuring 155,275 Square Meters, is now safe and secured for immediate productive development.

” I wish to state that the Nigerian Army has not achieved this feat alone. In keeping with the joint approach to achieving our operational objectives and tasks as captured in my Command Philosophy, the Nigerian Army adopted a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach from planning to executing this exercise.

” The resources of key stakeholders like the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal and State Fire Services, Federal Road Safety Corps, National and State Emergency Management Authorities, and the media were professionally pooled to achieve success most cost-effectively.

” This synergy ensured standard safety and security procedures were strictly adhered to, leaving no gaps for accidents or misinformation of the general populace.

” I must, therefore, thank the Inspector General of Police and heads of all the other various agencies of government at national and state levels for their support and investment in men and equipment for this clean-up exercise.

” Before closing this remark, permit me a moment to express the Nigerian Army’s sincere appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, for graciously approving the conduct of this clearance operation in line with his commitment to the safety, security, and wellbeing of Nigerians.

” The Nigerian Army equally salutes the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Mr Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu, and his Ogun State counterpart, His Excellency Mr Dapo Abiodun, for their support for this cleanup exercise. Similarly, I commend the Commanders Corps of Engineers, the Ordnance Corps, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, and the Commander 9 Brigade for professionally coordinating this exercise. My sincere appreciation also goes to heads of sister and paramilitary agencies, our Royal fathers, other invited dignitaries, and members of the press here with us today for their usual cooperation.

” Importantly, I commend the Team that executed this cleanup exercise.

” I salute their bravery, dedication to duty, sense of urgency, and professional dexterity, which has resulted in declaring a successful End.

” Finally, permit me to reiterate that the Nigerian Army will continue to be responsible and responsive in its engagement with the society. In line with this commitment, our ongoing end-of-year exercises and operations have been strengthened further to achieve their respective objectives of combating piracy, oil theft, banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, insurgency, secessionist agitation, and others.

” Furthermore, the 3 beams of my Command Philosophy, which are Leadership, Operational Effectiveness, and Sound Administration, shall be vigorously pursued.

” Once again, I thank you for coming to witness this Closing Ceremony of Exercise CLEAN SWEEP. God bless.

The Acting Director DES&D HQ Nigerian Army Engineers Col.A O Kazeem said at the closing ceremony of “EXERCISE CLEAN SWEEP ”

“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu
His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TA Lagbaja, ably represented by the Commander Corps of Engineers, Maj Gen PE Eromosele
Commander, Corps of Ordinance
General Officer Commanding 81 Division
Commander 9 Brigade
Commisioner of Police Lagos State Command
Commanders here present
Heads of Sister Security Agencies present here today
Paramilitary Agencies here present
Our Royal Father, His Royal Majesty Alaiyeluwa Oba Oluwasegun Olasunkanmi Ajasa, the Awuse of Onigbongbo Kingdom

” I stand before you with great pride and a sense of accomplishment as we gather here to mark the closing ceremony of Exercise CLEAN SWEEP.

” Exercise CLEAN SWEEP was aimed at clearing the remnants of unexploded ordnances from the site of the 2002 Ikeja Cantonment Bomb Blast.

” It is heartwarming to say that the exercise, which began with the flag-off by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen TA Lagbaja on October 10 2023, has been a resounding success.

“It involved the collaborative effort of personnel of the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers and various military and civil stakeholders including the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, 81 Division and 9 Brigade as well as the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Fire Service and Federal Road Safety Corps among others.

” Exercise CLEAN SWEEP was meticulously conducted in 4 distinct phases, namely mobilization, vegetation clearance, Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) search and recovery, and demobilization.

” Each phase was executed with precision and utmost professionalism, demonstrating the exceptional capabilities of our personnel.

Exercise Clean Sweep: #Nigerian Army Detonates #2055 Ordnances within 57 Days In Ajilete #Ogun

” During the UXO search and recovery phase, we employed state-of-the-art equipment such as Husky CIED Vehicles and Vallon Dual Sensor Handheld Mine detectors.

“This sophisticated equipment enabled us to systematically locate and recover a total of 2,055 UXOs from the site. I am pleased to inform you that not a single UXO was deliberately or accidentally detonated at the clearance site. Furthermore, I am delighted to report that there were no accidents throughout the exercise, which is a testament to the high level of competence and discipline displayed by our personnel during the exercise.

” The officers and soldiers have not only demonstrated their mastery of EOD tactics, techniques and procedures but have also showcased their proficient use of the best technology in modern EOD operations.

” This is in line with the COAS command philosophy which is ‘to transform the NA into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment’.

” By working in collaboration with other stakeholders, we have not only ensured the safety of our citizens but also fostered synergy among various security agencies.

” In adherence to international best practices as well as quality assurance, the site was double-checked by the Nigerian Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal-CBRN.

” They meticulously inspected an area of about 155,000 square meters and certified the site clear.

” I am happy to therefore announce that the site of the 2002 explosion is now clear of any form of UXO and will today be handed over to the Army Headquarters for future development.

” On this note, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the CCE and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TA Lagbaja for their visionary leadership and for approving the necessary funds and equipment for this exercise.

Exercise Clean Sweep: #Nigerian Army Detonates #2055 Ordnances within 57 Days In Ajilete #Ogun

” Despite the busy schedule of our unrelenting COAS, He made it a point to be present at the opening ceremony to flag off the exercise and if not for an impromptu national security demand, he would have been here for the closing ceremonies.

” This testifies to his unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of NA soldiers and their families.

“The same goes for the CCE who was always present with us on site mostly at critical times with strategic directions on the best courses of action culminating in the safe and successful conduct of the exercise.

” I will also like to appreciate the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps ATO and ATs as well as the 81 Division and 9 Brigade Teams for contributing immensely to the planning and execution of this exercise.

” My sincere appreciation also goes to the sister security and paramilitary agencies that took part in the exercise, particularly the Lagos State Fire Service, who permanently attached their fire truck and personnel to the exercise as well as during the disposal exercise at the range. Also, appreciate the Federal Road Safety Commission who provided route clearance and traffic intelligence to and from the NA Range in Ajilette during disposal tasks, the Nigerian Police for providing EOD assistance as well as site certification, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps who provided additional ambulance services for disposal tasks at the Range.

Exercise Clean Sweep: #Nigerian Army Detonates #2055 Ordnances within 57 Days In Ajilete #Ogun

” This speech will not be complete without mention of the immense support of the ladies and gentlemen of the press for their up-to-date reportage of the exercise activities from the flag-off through clearance to disposal and closing ceremony.

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