The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed earlier fears that the explosion which occurred on June 22, 2026, at No. 19 Way Street, Mushin, was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), confirming instead that the incident resulted from a mechanical failure.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, disclosed that an extensive forensic and technical investigation conducted by the Nigeria Police Force’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit found no evidence of explosives, terrorism, sabotage, or any criminal activity.
According to the police chief, the incident was initially treated as a suspected explosive occurrence in line with standard security protocols and international best practices after preliminary observations at the scene raised concerns about a possible IED explosion.
He explained that a team of highly trained EOD-CBRN experts carried out a comprehensive examination of the scene, including forensic analysis of the affected vehicle, assessment of recovered fragments, evaluation of damage patterns, collection of physical evidence, and interviews with witnesses.
“The investigation has conclusively established that the incident was not caused by an Improvised Explosive Device, terrorist activity, sabotage, or any form of criminal use of explosives,” Fatai stated.
He added that investigators found no traces of explosive materials, detonators, initiation systems, explosive residues, or blast characteristics commonly associated with explosive attacks. Furthermore, the damaged vehicle did not display structural deformation, fragmentation patterns, crater effects, or displacement typically linked to explosive incidents.
The investigation revealed that the explosion resulted from the catastrophic failure of a pressurized mechanical component located outside the vehicle. The failure triggered a sudden release of energy, shattering the vehicle’s front passenger-side glass panels and causing minor injuries to an occupant.
Based on the findings, the incident has been officially classified as a “Mechanical Explosion” and reclassified from a suspected IED incident.
The Lagos State Police Command reassured residents that there is no threat to public safety, stressing that there is absolutely no evidence connecting the incident to terrorism, insurgency, sabotage, or any other security concern.
The Command also commended members of the public for promptly alerting security and emergency services, which facilitated a swift response, while praising emergency responders and technical personnel for their professionalism throughout the investigation.
Fatai urged residents to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities through established security channels, assuring that all reported explosion-related incidents would continue to receive thorough professional scrutiny before conclusions are reached.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to transparency, professionalism, and factual reporting in carrying out its constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property. Swiftreporters.
