Police debunk bomb scare in Mushin, confirm mechanical explosion

By Florencemary Nwabueze

The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed fears of a terrorist attack or improvised explosive device (IED) following an explosion that occurred on June 22, 2026, at No. 19 Way Street, Mushin, Lagos.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, said forensic investigations had conclusively established that the incident was a mechanical explosion and not an act of sabotage or terrorism as initially suspected.

According to the commissioner, preliminary reports from the scene raised concerns about the possibility of an IED explosion. In response, the command deployed specialists from the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit to carry out a comprehensive forensic and technical investigation.

The team examined the affected vehicle, analysed recovered fragments and damage patterns, collected physical evidence and interviewed witnesses.

“We have conclusively established that the incident was not caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), terrorist activity, sabotage or any form of criminal use of explosives,” the statement said.

CP Fatai explained that investigators found no traces of explosive materials, detonators, initiation systems, explosive residues or blast characteristics commonly associated with explosive attacks.

He added that the affected vehicle did not display structural deformation, fragmentation patterns, crater effects or displacement typically seen in explosions involving explosives.

According to the investigation, the incident resulted from the catastrophic failure of a pressurised mechanical component located outside the vehicle. The failure caused a sudden release of energy that shattered the front passenger-side glass panels and led to minor injuries to the occupant.

Based on the findings, the incident has been officially classified as a mechanical explosion.

The Lagos State Police Command assured residents that there is no evidence linking the incident to terrorism, insurgency, sabotage or any threat to public safety.

“There is no cause for alarm,” the commissioner said.

CP Fatai thanked members of the public who promptly alerted security and emergency services, enabling a swift response.

He also commended emergency responders and technical personnel involved in the investigation for their professionalism.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities through established security channels, assuring that all reported explosions and related incidents would continue to receive thorough professional scrutiny.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to transparency, professionalism and factual reporting in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property,” the statement added.

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