A suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated in the early hours of Wednesday at the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa, triggering an emergency security response and briefly disrupting official activities.
The blast occurred at about 6:00 a.m., prompting the swift intervention of the Bayelsa State Police Command and other security agencies. Authorities confirmed that no casualties were recorded and no property was damaged.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah, said operatives moved quickly to secure the area and neutralise the threat.
“The Bayelsa State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a suspected IED explosion which occurred today, 11th February 2026, at about 0600hrs within the State Secretariat Complex,” the police commissioner said. “I immediately led the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit and other tactical teams to the scene.”
According to him, operatives of the EOD unit swiftly contained the situation on arrival. The area was immediately cordoned off, and a detailed search led to the discovery of one unexploded IED, which was safely rendered inactive.
“No life was lost and no property was destroyed,” CP Iyamah stated.
He further disclosed that a suspect, identified as Pentecost Elijah, a 60-year-old man from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident.
“The suspect is currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department. Upon the conclusion of investigations, he will be charged to court,” the police commissioner added, assuring residents that the situation was under control and normalcy had been restored. He urged members of the public to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities.
In response to the incident, the Bayelsa State Government ordered a temporary four-hour suspension of work at the secretariat as a precautionary measure. The directive, issued by the Head of Service, Dr Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, affected more than 6,000 state employees.
During the security operation, access roads leading to the State Secretariat and the Bayelsa State Government House were cordoned off by security operatives, including the anti-bomb squad, as investigations and safety checks were carried out.
Authorities later confirmed that the situation had been fully contained and that the area was safe.
Elijah Adeyemi
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