Suspected IED Blast Rocks Mushin, Injures Vehicle Owner as Police Launch Investigation

Security agencies have launched an investigation after a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated beneath a vehicle in the Oke Mushin area of Lagos, injuring one person and triggering panic among residents and traders.

The explosion, which occurred in the early hours of Monday near the Shoe Materials Market in Mushin, prompted the deployment of bomb disposal experts, police operatives and other security personnel who swiftly secured the scene and conducted a thorough search of the area.

Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, CP Fatai Tijani, who visited the scene, assured residents that there was no further threat after Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operatives completed a comprehensive sweep.

According to the CP, preliminary findings indicate that the explosion was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device planted beneath a vehicle.

"We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched," Tijani told journalists.

He explained that investigators believe the device had been placed underneath the passenger side of the vehicle and detonated when the owner started the engine.

"The IED was under the vehicle by the passenger side. It exploded when the vehicle was started," he said.

Police confirmed that the vehicle owner sustained injuries during the incident and was immediately taken to hospital for treatment.

According to Tijani, the victim's condition was stable and not considered life-threatening.

The commissioner further disclosed that remnants of the explosive device had been recovered and taken away for forensic examination as investigators work to determine who planted the device and the motive behind the attack.

Addressing concerns over security, CP Tijani urged residents to disregard rumours suggesting the explosion was evidence of widespread insecurity in Lagos.

He reaffirmed the command's commitment to maintaining law and order across the state and vowed that those responsible would be identified.

"For now, after sweeping the area, we've gotten the report from our EOD operatives who came and found the area is free. There is nothing to worry about," the police commissioner said.

He added: "We are not going to allow any banditry into Lagos. Our borders are tightened up, and we are not going to rest on our oars."

Authorities said no additional explosives were discovered during the security sweep.

The blast occurred at No. 22 Wey Street in Oke Mushin and was traced to a gold Toyota Sienna with registration number AAA11FX, Lagos.

Residents said the vehicle owner had parked the vehicle overnight and was preparing to leave for work shortly before 6 a.m. when the explosion occurred.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion as the blast shattered parts of the vehicle and drew frightened residents into the streets.

The force of the explosion reportedly damaged the passenger side of the vehicle, scattering glass fragments across the area and leaving visible burn marks on parts of the bodywork.

The incident immediately triggered a large-scale security response, with police officers, EOD specialists and other operatives arriving to secure the location and prevent residents from approaching the affected vehicle.

Speaking on the incident, the Baale of Oke Mushin Community, Chief Tajudeen Lasisi Farunbi, said he received a distress call shortly after dawn informing him about a suspicious incident involving a vehicle in the neighbourhood.

According to him, he immediately alerted the Area Commander and Divisional Police Officer, while also warning residents not to tamper with the vehicle pending the arrival of security personnel.

Farunbi commended the swift intervention of security agencies, noting that their rapid response helped prevent panic and ensured public safety.

He added that many residents were initially uncertain about the nature of the explosion and feared the situation could escalate.

The community leader also stated that little was known about the ownership of the vehicle beyond reports that it had been parked in the area for several months.

As investigations continue, police have appealed for calm and encouraged residents to remain vigilant while cooperating with security agencies.

Authorities are expected to rely on forensic analysis of the recovered explosive remnants to establish the origin of the device and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.