A female Nigerian soldier, identified only as Mohammed, along with two children, sustained severe injuries in an accidental hand grenade explosion at a residential compound along Abacha Road, Maraba, in Nasarawa State. The incident occurred at approximately 11:46 a.m. on Wednesday, December 24, 2025—Christmas Eve—during what was described as a routine cleaning activity.
According to reports, the grenade had been stored in an apartment for about three years, left behind by an unidentified male soldier who was deployed to the North East region, where Nigerian forces are engaged in counter-insurgency operations against groups like Boko Haram. The device was reportedly placed in the room of the soldier's sister, who shares the compound with the injured female soldier, Mohammed.
During cleaning, the sister discovered the grenade and brought it out, asking Mohammed—a fellow resident and serving military personnel—to help identify whether it was still useful or should be discarded. Tragically, the grenade detonated almost immediately upon handling, causing severe injuries. Mohammed suffered significant damage to her left wrist and other parts of her body, while the two children—belonging to the woman who presented the grenade—were also gravely hurt.
Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion was accidental, with no indications of foul play. The incident highlights the dangers of unsecured military ordnance finding its way into civilian areas, a recurring concern in regions affected by prolonged conflict in Nigeria's North East.
Immediately after the blast, neighbours and the sister rushed the victims to Nagari Allah Private Hospital in nearby Keffi for initial treatment. Mohammed was subsequently evacuated to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Medical Centre at Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja for specialized care. She was later referred to Cedarcrest Hospital in Apo, Abuja, where she continues to receive treatment as of December 26, 2025. Details on the conditions of the injured children remain limited, but they were reported to have sustained severe injuries requiring urgent medical attention.
No fatalities were recorded, and authorities have not issued official statements from the Nigerian Army or police as of the latest reports. The case underscores ongoing challenges with the handling and storage of explosives by military personnel, particularly those returning from or rotating through high-risk zones.
This accident occurred amid heightened security alerts during the festive season in Nasarawa State, where police had deployed additional personnel to prevent incidents. It serves as a stark reminder of the latent risks posed by leftover munitions in civilian spaces, a problem documented in various parts of Nigeria affected by insurgency.
As investigations continue to identify the original owner of the grenade and circumstances surrounding its storage, the incident has sparked discussions on stricter protocols for military personnel regarding personal possession of ordnance.
