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Kebbi General Hospital explosion: Govt, Police deny bandits’, airstrike involvement
By Muhammad Lawal/Ibrahim Bello,
Birnin Kebbi, Dec. 30, 2025
The Police Command in Kebbi has confirmed an early morning explosion at the General Hospital, Bagudo, Bagudo Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.
This is contained in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi by the command’s Spokesman, SP Bashir Usman, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Reacting on the incident, however, the Kebbi Government and the State Police Command have debunked rumours making the rounds that the explosion suggested a bomb or helicopter involvement.
They clarified that the explosion was caused by a fire outbreak involving gas cylinders.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that an early morning explosion hit Bagudo General Hospital, but there was no casualty following the incident as confirmed by the police.
Clarifying the matter on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, explained that preliminary findings from security agencies indicated that the explosion occurred at the hospital staff quarters as a result of a fire incident, not an explosive device.
Bala-Tafida said the state government was working closely with the police and other security agencies, who had since taken full control of the situation.
The SSG confirmed that no life was lost in the incident, noting that although a building was affected, occupants had already evacuated safely before the explosion.
“We commend the swift response of the Police Command and other security operatives for promptly securing the area and ensuring public safety.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state,” Bala-Tafida said.
Corroborating the government’s position, the Police Command, said investigations and expert assessments had confirmed that the explosion was caused by an inferno that overheated air-conditioning and refrigerator gas cylinders.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said the command conducted an assessment by Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) experts, alongside the Commissioner of Police Tactical Team.
“The assessment confirmed that no explosives or aerial activity were involved.
“No injuries or loss of life were recorded, as verified by on-site expert teams.
“We urge the public and the media to remain calm and disregard unverified reports suggesting a bomb blast or helicopter involvement, as such reports could cause unnecessary panic,” Usman said.
Usman also said, “We want to assure all residents of the area of full control over the security situation following a loud explosion at the General Hospital, Bagudo, in the early hours of Tuesday, Dec. 30.
“A joint security team of police, military, and vigilante personnel has swiftly cordoned off and secured the affected area. Specialist EOD-CBRN teams are on-site conducting a thorough assessment.
“We are grateful to confirm that there are no casualties. While a building in the staff quarters was damaged, the occupants had already evacuated safely.
“The Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state had reinforced the area with additional tactical deployments to maintain public order.”
The police spokesman added that the CP assured the general public that a comprehensive investigation was ongoing.
“We urge the public to remain calm and avoid the immediate vicinity to support the ongoing security and investigative operations. Further updates will be provided as necessary,” he said.
