A female soldier and two children sustained injuries following a hand grenade explosion in the Maraba area of Nasarawa State, authorities confirmed on Friday.
The incident occurred at about 11:46 a.m. on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, along Abacha Road in Maraba, according to an internal incident report obtained by PUNCH Online.
How the Explosion Happened
Preliminary findings indicate that the explosion happened during a routine cleaning exercise at a residential apartment. A woman reportedly discovered a grenade in her room and brought it outside to seek clarification from a female soldier identified as Mohammed, who lives within the same compound.
While the device was being examined, it detonated unexpectedly, leaving the soldier seriously injured and causing injuries to two children belonging to the woman who brought out the explosive.
Origin of the Grenade
Investigators believe the grenade had been kept in the apartment for about three years. The report stated that the device was allegedly left behind by a yet-to-be-identified soldier who previously served in Nigeria’s North-East, a region affected by prolonged insurgency.
The soldier is said to have stored the grenade in his sister’s room before leaving the area. The sister, unaware of the danger, reportedly found the device during cleaning and sought advice on whether it should be discarded.
Medical Response
Following the explosion, the injured soldier was rushed to Nagari Allah Private Hospital in Keffi by relatives and neighbours. She was later transferred to the Defence Headquarters Medical Centre at Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, before being referred to Cedarcrest Hospital, Apo, where she is currently receiving treatment.
Medical sources confirmed that although the soldier suffered severe injury to her left wrist and other parts of her body, her condition has since stabilised and she is responding to treatment. The two injured children are also receiving medical care.
Investigation Ongoing
Security authorities have launched an investigation to determine how the grenade was stored in a civilian residence and to identify the soldier who originally brought the explosive into the compound.
When contacted, the Director of Defence Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said he had not yet been formally briefed on the incident.
The explosion has raised fresh concerns about the improper handling and storage of military-grade explosives, particularly in residential areas, and the potential risks they pose to civilians.
Source: Africa Publicity
