Operatives of the Bayelsa State Police Command have arrested a 60-year-old man, Pentecost Elijah, following an IED explosion that occurred early Wednesday morning at the State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa.
The incident, which briefly disrupted activities within the government premises, was swiftly contained by security personnel, preventing casualties and further damage.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, the IED explosion happened at approximately 6:00 a.m. on February 11, 2026.
The blast occurred within the secretariat complex, raising concerns among civil servants and residents in the area.
However, rapid intervention by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit ensured the situation did not escalate.
The Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, CP Iya Edebor, personally led a coordinated response team to the scene.
The team included officers from the EOD Unit, the Special Drone Unit, and other tactical divisions of the command.
Their immediate priority was to secure the premises, assess the level of threat, and prevent any secondary detonation.
Upon arrival, the EOD specialists conducted a detailed sweep of the area surrounding the blast site.
During the operation, they discovered an additional unexploded device suspected to be linked to the IED explosion.
The device was carefully examined and rendered safe using standard bomb disposal procedures. Authorities confirmed that no lives were lost and no property was destroyed in the incident.
Police sources indicated that Pentecost Elijah, identified as a native of Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, was apprehended at the scene in connection with the IED explosion.
While details regarding motive remain unclear, the suspect is currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
Investigators are working to determine whether he acted alone or as part of a wider network.
The Bayelsa State Police Command reassured the public that calm has been fully restored within the secretariat complex.
Security presence around government facilities has also been strengthened as a precautionary measure following the IED explosion.
Officials emphasized that proactive intelligence gathering and surveillance efforts are ongoing to prevent similar threats.
The incident has prompted renewed conversations around security at public institutions in Bayelsa State.
Government secretariats, often busy with daily administrative activities, are considered sensitive locations requiring heightened vigilance.
Analysts note that early detection and rapid response were key in minimizing the impact of the IED explosion, highlighting the importance of well-trained security units.
Residents of Yenagoa expressed relief that the situation did not result in fatalities or significant structural damage.
Some civil servants who resumed work later in the day commended the police for their swift action.
“We were worried when we heard about the blast, but seeing how quickly the area was secured gave us confidence,” one staff member said.
Security experts stress that public awareness plays a crucial role in preventing such incidents.
They advise citizens to report suspicious movements, unattended objects, or unusual activities around public spaces.
The police command reiterated this call, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
While investigations continue, the arrest of the suspect marks a significant step in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the IED explosion.
The police have assured that due process will be followed, and the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of preliminary investigations.
The Bayelsa State Government has yet to issue an extensive statement beyond acknowledging the police briefing.
However, sources within the administration confirmed that internal security reviews are being considered to further strengthen safety measures across government facilities.
Incidents involving explosive devices remain relatively rare within the state, making Wednesday’s event particularly concerning. Nonetheless, authorities insist that there is no cause for widespread panic.
They maintain that the threat was effectively neutralized and that law enforcement agencies remain on high alert.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus will likely shift to understanding the motive behind the act and assessing whether there were warning signs that could have been detected earlier.
For now, the swift containment of the IED explosion stands as a demonstration of coordinated emergency response and preparedness by the Bayelsa State Police Command.
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