Lagos Explosion: Police Says No Bomb, Blames “Pressurised Mechanical Component Outside The Car”

By Ayodele Oni

For Mushin residents in Lagos State who panicked on 22 June, following an explosion, the Police verdict has brought a relief: it was a mechanical accident, not a bomb.

Fear of terrorism in Mushin has been ruled out. Lagos State Police Command has debunked claim that the explosion at Mushin area of the state was caused by terrorists.

The command clarified that Forensic investigation has doused terrorism fears, but was caused by mechanical failure, not an Improvised Explosive Device or sabotage.

Lagos CP Tijani Fatai addressed journalists after an extensive probe by the Nigeria Police Force’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear, (EOD-CBRN), Unit.

He explained that the incident was initially treated as a suspected IED in line with security protocols after preliminary observations raised concerns.

“EOD-CBRN experts then carried out forensic analysis of the vehicle, assessment of fragments, damage pattern evaluation, evidence collection, and witness interviews.

“The investigation has conclusively established that the incident was not caused by an Improvised Explosive Device, terrorist activity, sabotage, or any form of criminal use of explosives.

“Investigators found zero traces of explosive materials, detonators, initiation systems, or blast characteristics linked to attacks. The vehicle showed no structural deformation, fragmentation patterns, crater effects, or displacement typical of explosions.

“Instead, the explosion came from the catastrophic failure of a pressurized mechanical component located outside the vehicle. The failure triggered a sudden energy release that shattered the front passenger-side glass and caused minor injuries to an occupant.

“The case is now officially classified as a ‘Mechanical Explosion’ and reclassified from suspected IED. No threat to public safety.”

CP Fatai reassured Lagos residents: “There is absolutely no evidence connecting the incident to terrorism, insurgency, sabotage, or any other security concern.”

He commended residents for promptly alerting security and emergency services, which enabled swift response. He also praised emergency responders and technical personnel for professionalism.

Fatai urged Lagosians to remain vigilant and keep reporting suspicious activities through security channels.

“All reported explosion-related incidents will continue to receive thorough professional scrutiny before conclusions are reached,” he said.