RSIPF Safely Removes and Destroys 467 WWII Explosive Ordnance in Western and Choiseul Provinces

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department (EODD) of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has successfully removed and destroyed 467 Unexploded Ordnances (UXOs) in an intensive operational sweep across Western and Choiseul Provinces.

The operation safely neutralized remnants of World War II military munitions—including hand grenades, mortar rounds, projectiles, rockets, and heavy aerial bombs—that posed severe threats to local communities.

The disposal operations were carried out across several key locations:

• Western Province: EODD teams operated in Munda and neighboring communities, as well as on Rendova and Kolombangara Islands, safely rendering 352 UXO items harmless.

• Choiseul Province: Specialists targeted Tarepasika, Taro, Sagigae, and surrounding areas, destroying 43 UXO items, including a large aerial bomb.

• Shortland Islands: Further operations in Nila, Laohoai, Lofung, and adjacent communities resulted in the destruction of an additional 72 items, including an aerial bomb.

Assistant Commissioner (AC) for National Operations, Mr. Lionel Kapisa, revealed that many of these explosive hazards were exposed or uncovered following severe weather brought by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

“These hundreds of UXO items were exposed or brought to the attention of communities following the recent Tropical Cyclone Maila,” said AC Kapisa. “Local residents promptly alerted the police, allowing our EODD teams to deploy rapidly and neutralize the dangers.”

AC Kapisa extended gratitude to international partners and operational personnel for their vital support during the campaign.

“I want to acknowledge the support provided through the Australian Defence Force and the Defence Cooperation Program, which has helped enable the Department to undertake this demanding work in support of communities across the Solomon Islands,” AC Kapisa stated. “I also commend the members of the RSIPF-EODD for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment in executing these high-risk operations across multiple sites in such a short timeframe.”

The RSIPF expressed deep appreciation to local leaders and residents in Western and Choiseul Provinces for their vigilance, cooperation, and assistance throughout the clearance drive.

Police continue to urge the public across all provinces to report any suspicious items or remnants of war immediately. Suspected explosive hazards should be reported directly to the RSIPF-EODD line at 7495215 or to the nearest police station.