No Bomb, No Terror Link in Mushin Explosion, Police Confirm

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Lagos State Police Command has ruled out terrorism, sabotage or the use of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the explosion that occurred on June 22 at No. 19 Way Street, Mushin, Lagos.

Addressing journalists on Thursday, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, said forensic and technical investigations by the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit established that the incident was caused by a mechanical failure.

He said the incident was initially treated as a suspected IED explosion in line with established security protocols, pending a comprehensive investigation by explosives experts.

According to the police commissioner, the investigation involved forensic examination of the affected vehicle, analysis of recovered fragments and damage patterns, collection of physical evidence and interviews with witnesses.

Fatai said investigators found no traces of explosive materials, detonators, explosive residues or other characteristics associated with bomb explosions.

He added that the affected vehicle also showed none of the structural deformation, fragmentation patterns or crater effects typically associated with explosive attacks.

“The investigation established that the incident resulted from the catastrophic failure of a pressurised mechanical component outside the vehicle, which caused a sudden release of energy, shattered the front passenger-side glass panels and inflicted minor injuries on the occupant,” he said.

Based on the findings, the police officially reclassified the incident from a suspected IED explosion to a mechanical explosion.

The commissioner reassured residents that there was no evidence linking the incident to terrorism, insurgency, sabotage or any threat to public safety, urging the public not to panic.

He commended residents who promptly alerted emergency responders and assured the public that all reported explosions and similar incidents would continue to undergo thorough professional investigation before conclusions are reached.

Fatai reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to transparency, professionalism and factual reporting in the discharge of its responsibility to protect lives and property.