Police rule out bomb scare in Mushin, confirm mechanical explosion

By Florencemary Nwabueze

The Lagos State Police Command has ruled out a terrorist attack or improvised explosive device (IED) after an explosion on June 22, 2026, at No. 19 Way Street, Mushin, Lagos.

In a statement released on Thursday, Commissioner of Police CP Tijani Fatai said forensic work had conclusively shown the blast was a mechanical explosion, not sabotage or terrorism as initially feared.

Initial reports from the scene had suggested the possibility of an IED. In response, the command sent specialists from the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD‑CBRN) Unit to conduct a thorough forensic and technical investigation.

The team inspected the damaged vehicle, examined 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 read.

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

He added that the vehicle showed no structural deformation, fragmentation patterns, crater effects or displacement normally seen in explosions involving explosives.

The investigation determined that the blast resulted from the catastrophic failure of a pressurised mechanical component located outside the vehicle. The failure released energy that shattered the front passenger‑side glass panels and caused minor injuries to the occupant.

Based on these 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 event to terrorism, insurgency, sabotage or any threat to public safety.

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

CP Fatai thanked the public for promptly alerting security and emergency services, which enabled a swift response.

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

The commissioner urged residents to stay vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities through established security channels, assuring that all reported explosions and related incidents will 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.