Mushin Explosion Caused by Mechanical Failure, Not Bomb — Lagos Police

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has said the June 22 explosion at Way Street, Mushin, was caused by the failure of a pressurised mechanical component and not by an improvised explosive device (IED) or any act of terrorism.

Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing, saying forensic investigations by the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit found no evidence of explosives or criminal activity.

Fatai said the incident was initially treated as a suspected explosive attack in line with standard security procedures before experts carried out detailed forensic examinations of the damaged vehicle, recovered fragments, blast patterns and other physical evidence.

According to him, investigators found no traces of explosive materials, detonators, initiation systems or explosive residues associated with bomb attacks.

“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,” he said.

The commissioner explained that the explosion resulted from the catastrophic failure of a pressurised mechanical component outside the vehicle, causing a sudden release of energy that shattered the front passenger-side glass and inflicted minor injuries on the occupant.

He said the findings prompted the police to officially reclassify the incident from a suspected IED explosion to a mechanical explosion.

“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,” Fatai said.

He commended residents who promptly alerted emergency responders and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities, assuring that every reported explosion would continue to receive thorough professional investigation.

Fatai reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to transparency, professionalism and the protection of lives and property.