JUST IN: Police rule out bomb attack in Mushin explosion, arrest four over military uniforms

Crime Diary

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State Police Command has ruled out terrorism, sabotage or the use of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the explosion that occurred in the Mushin area of the state, saying investigations confirmed it resulted from a mechanical failure.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Command said forensic and technical investigations found no traces of explosive materials, detonators, initiation systems, explosive residues or blast characteristics associated with an explosive attack.

According to the Police, the incident was caused by the catastrophic failure of a pressurised mechanical component outside a vehicle.

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The police said the failure triggered a sudden release of energy that shattered the vehicle’s front passenger-side glass panels, leaving the occupant with minor injuries.

“Based on these findings, the incident has been professionally classified as a mechanical explosion,” the statement said.

The Command recalled that following a distress call on June 22 reporting a suspected explosion in Mushin, operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit were immediately deployed to the scene.

The area was cordoned off while officers carried out a comprehensive search and recovery operation before declaring the location safe and free of any IED threat.

Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai had also visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and assured residents of adequate security, urging them to remain calm and go about their lawful activities.

Meanwhile, the Command said operatives acting on credible intelligence intercepted an unregistered MAN diesel truck at the Lagos exit point, conveying 47 sacks of military camouflage uniforms and 80 cartons of suspected illicit drugs.

The police said four suspects were arrested and are currently in custody.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the military camouflage uniforms were allegedly being transported to the South-East.

The Command said investigations are ongoing to determine the source, ownership and intended recipients of the recovered items, while efforts are also underway to apprehend other suspects linked to the alleged criminal operation.