ABG to remove WWII bombs in Kieta and Aropa in safety operation with NZ Support

The Autonomous Bougainville Government [ABG] will carry out a safety operation to remove two unexploded World War II bombs in Central Bougainville, with technical support from the New Zealand Defence Force [NZD]).

ABG President Ishmael Toroama, in a statement released this afternoon, says the operation is focused on protecting communities living near the sites, particularly children and families.

“These unexploded bombs have remained a serious risk for many years. This operation is about protecting our people,” Mr Toroama said.

The bombs, located near Kieta Primary School and Aropa Airfield, have been assessed as posing a significant safety threat to surrounding communities.

The ABG says it formally requested assistance from New Zealand, with the NZDF deploying explosive ordnance disposal specialists to safely remove and destroy the devices.

The operation will be led by the ABG in coordination with the Bougainville Police Service, national agencies, and local authorities.

Temporary safety cordons will be established around both sites, and the public has been urged to comply with all instructions from authorities on the ground.

Residents are expected to notice increased activity in the area, including security movements, helicopters, and site preparation works. A controlled detonation will also be carried out as part of the disposal process.

The ABG says it will continue to provide updates to communities before, during, and after the operation, and will confirm when the areas are declared safe.

The NZDF team is expected to arrive between April 26–27, with disposal operations planned for April 29 and completion expected by April 30.