By Evelyn Usman
Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, CP Tijani Fatai, has dismissed fears that the explosion which occurred in Mushin on June 22, 2026, was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), terrorism or any other criminal activity.
Read Also: Lagos building collapse: Nine bodies recovered, 27 rescued
Rather, he disclosed that investigations had confirmed it resulted from a mechanical failure.
Providing an update on the explosion that occurred at number 19 Way Street, Mushin, Lagos State, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters yesterday, the CP said extensive forensic and technical investigations conducted by experts from the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit established that the incident was a mechanical explosion.
According to him: “Following the incident, preliminary observations and reports received at the scene raised concerns about the possibility of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion.
“In line with established security protocols and international best practices, the incident was immediately treated as a suspected explosive occurrence pending a comprehensive technical investigation by experts of the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit.
“Consequently, a team of highly trained EOD-CBRN specialists conducted an extensive forensic and technical examination of the scene. The investigation involved a detailed assessment of the affected vehicle, examination of recovered fragments, analysis of damage patterns, collection and evaluation of physical evidence, as well as interviews with relevant witnesses.
“I am pleased to inform the good people of Lagos State and Nigerians at large that the investigation has 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.
“Our technical findings revealed no traces of explosive materials, detonators, initiation systems, explosive residues, or blast characteristics ordinarily associated with explosive attacks.
“Furthermore, the affected vehicle did not exhibit the structural deformation, fragmentation patterns, crater effects, or displacement typically observed in incidents involving explosives.
“The investigation established that the incident resulted from the catastrophic failure of a pressurised mechanical component outside the vehicle. This failure generated a sudden release of energy, which caused the shattering of the vehicle’s front passenger-side glass panels and resulted in minor injuries to the occupant. Based on these findings, the incident has been professionally classified as a mechanical explosion.
“Accordingly, the case has been officially reclassified from a suspected IED incident to a mechanical explosion.
“We therefore wish to reassure all residents of Lagos State that there is absolutely no evidence linking this incident to terrorism, insurgency, sabotage, or any threat to public safety and security. There is no cause for alarm.
“The Lagos State Police Command appreciates members of the public who promptly alerted security and emergency services, thereby enabling a swift response to the incident. We also commend all emergency responders and technical personnel whose professionalism ensured a thorough and scientific investigation.
“While we encourage members of the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities through established security channels, we equally assure the public that all reported explosions and related incidents will continue to receive the highest level of professional scrutiny before conclusions are reached.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to transparency, professionalism and factual reporting in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property,” CP Tijani stated.
