The police commissioner confirmed that security operatives responded swiftly after receiving information about an explosion, deploying Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams to cordon off and secure the scene.
Preliminary findings indicated the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device planted beneath the passenger side of a vehicle, which detonated when the engine was started.
One person sustained injuries in the incident and was transported to a hospital. The victim was in stable condition. Following a detailed sweep by EOD experts, no additional explosive devices were found in the area.
The commissioner urged residents and traders in the affected commercial area to remain calm and continue their normal activities.
IGP: No Retreat in War Against Terrorism
Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu declared there would be no retreat in the fight against terrorism until criminal elements were eliminated from the country.
Disu spoke at a stakeholders consultative meeting for the North-central zone in Lokoja, held to assess the security situation following recent bandit invasions and the neutralisation of bandit kingpin Kachalla Ibrahim, also known as Batijo, in Kogi State.
Represented by Coordinating DIG Isiyaku Mohammed, the IGP said the police were more determined than ever to eliminate banditry, kidnapping, and all forms of criminality. He stressed that community policing, requiring collaboration between security agencies, traditional rulers, and local leaders, remained the most effective approach.
“Traditional rulers, leaders, and residents must say something when they see something,” Disu said.
Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, represented by security adviser Jerry Omodara, noted the visit was strategic given the state’s security situation, adding that the killing of Batijo was evidence that the fight against banditry was producing results.
Sanwo-Olu Reaffirms Lagos Security Commitment
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu restated his administration’s commitment to working with the IGP and other security agencies to address security challenges across the South-west.
Sanwo-Olu spoke during a courtesy visit by DIG Adegoke Fayoade, who oversees the ICT directorate and supervises the South-west region. The governor was represented by Chief of Staff Tayo Ayinde.
“We do not joke with security. We are going to continue to support the police and other security agencies to ensure that Lagos remains the safest state in Nigeria,” he said.
Fayoade said the visit aligned with the IGP’s policy of strengthening operational readiness and improving logistics support for the Lagos State Police Command. He added that findings from the visit would be presented to the IGP to enhance operational efficiency across the region.
Fayoade, a former Lagos Commissioner of Police, praised the state government’s sustained support for security agencies, describing Lagos as a model of security partnership.
