LAGOS — The Lagos State Police Command has officially dismissed fears of terrorism following the explosion that occurred at 19 Way Street, Mushin, on June 22, 2026. Commissioner of Police (CP) Tijani Fatai confirmed on Thursday that the blast was the result of a catastrophic failure of a pressurized mechanical component rather than an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) or any criminal act.
Addressing the media at the Command Headquarters, CP Fatai explained that while initial reports from the scene raised concerns regarding the possibility of an explosive device, the incident was immediately treated as a suspected threat in accordance with established security protocols. A specialized team from the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit was deployed to conduct a comprehensive forensic examination.
The investigation involved a detailed assessment of the affected vehicle, an analysis of damage patterns, the collection of physical evidence, and interviews with witnesses. The CP stated that the forensic findings conclusively established that there were no traces of explosive materials, detonators, or initiation systems present at the site. Furthermore, the scene did not exhibit the structural deformation, crater effects, or fragmentation patterns typically associated with explosive attacks.
Read Also: Two Police Officers Killed in Ambush in Anambra State by Unknown Gunmen
According to the Command, the incident resulted from a sudden, high-energy release caused by the mechanical failure of a pressurized component located outside the vehicle. This energy discharge shattered the vehicle’s front passenger-side glass panels and resulted in minor injuries to the occupant. Consequently, the case has been officially reclassified from a suspected IED incident to a mechanical explosion.
CP Fatai moved to reassure residents of Lagos State that there is no evidence linking the incident to terrorism, insurgency, or sabotage. He commended the public for their prompt reporting of the event, which allowed emergency services to respond effectively, and reaffirmed the Command's commitment to scientific investigation and factual, transparent reporting.
"We 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," Fatai stated. "There is no cause for alarm."
