JUST IN: SUSPECTED IED EXPLOSION HITS BAYELSA STATE SECRETARIAT, ONE ARRESTED

SUSPECTED IED EXPLOSION HITS BAYELSA STATE SECRETARIAT, ONE ARRESTED


A suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated early Wednesday morning within the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa, prompting an immediate security response and temporary disruption of official activities.

The explosion occurred at about 6:00 a.m., triggering swift intervention by operatives of the Bayelsa State Police Command, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit and other tactical teams.

Confirming the incident in a statement, the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah, said no casualties were recorded and no property was damaged.

“The Bayelsa State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a suspected IED explosion which occurred today, 11th February 2026, at about 0600hrs within the State Secretariat Complex. I immediately led the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, Special Drone Unit and other Tactical Teams to the scene,” he stated.

According to him, operatives swiftly contained the situation, cordoned off the area, and conducted a detailed search of the premises. During the operation, one unexploded IED was discovered and safely neutralised by the EOD team.

Police authorities also confirmed the arrest of a suspect identified as Pentecost Elijah, a 60-year-old man from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He is currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

CP Iyamah assured residents that the situation is under control and that normalcy has been restored, urging members of the public to remain calm and continue their lawful activities.

Following the incident, the Bayelsa State Government directed a temporary closure of work for four hours as a precautionary measure. The directive, issued by the Head of Service, Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, affected thousands of state employees.

Security operatives, including anti-bomb squad personnel, restricted access to roads leading to the State Secretariat and the Government House while safety checks and investigations were ongoing.

Authorities have reiterated that the explosion has been fully contained and that there is no further threat to public safety at this time.

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