The Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion at the State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa on Wednesday morning, assuring residents that the situation has been brought under control.
In a statement, the police spokesperson said the incident occurred at about 6:00 a.m. on February 11, 2026.
He said, “The Bayelsa State Police Command wish to inform the general public of a suspected IED explosion which occurred today, 11th February 2026, at about 0600hrs within the State Secretariat Complex. I immediately led the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit and other Tactical Teams to the scene.
“On arrival at the scene, the operatives of the Explosive Ordinance Unit swiftly contained the explosion.
“The area was immediately cordoned off and upon detailed search, one unexploded IED was identified by EOD operatives and was rendered safe. No life lost, no property destroyed. One Pentecost Elijah, a 60-year-old man from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State, was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident.
“He is currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department and upon conclusion, the suspect will be charged in court. Let me inform you that the situation is under control and normalcy has been restored. Members of the public are advised to remain calm and continue with their lawful business activities.”
Following the incident, the Bayelsa State Government ordered a temporary closure of offices at the State Secretariat for four hours as a precautionary measure. The directive, issued by the Head of Service, Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, affected over 6,000 state employees.
Security operatives, including members of the anti-bomb squad, cordoned off access roads leading to the State Secretariat and the Bayelsa State Government House while investigations and safety procedures were ongoing.
Authorities later confirmed that the situation had been fully contained and that normal activities had resumed.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over public safety, especially in light of past tragedies linked to explosive devices. In 2024, a bomb explosion in Bassa community, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, claimed the life of one child and left four others injured after the children reportedly discovered the explosive device and began playing with it.
As investigations continue in Bayelsa, residents have been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious objects or activities to security agencies.
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