A suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated early Wednesday (today) at the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa, triggering panic and a swift security response.
News360 Info reports that the explosion, which occurred at about 6:00 am, caused a temporary disruption of official activities as security operatives moved in to secure the area and assess the situation.
Confirming the development in a statement made available to newsmen, the Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, CP Iyamah, said no life was lost, and no property was damaged.
“The Bayelsa State Police Command wish to inform the general public of a suspected IED explosion which occurred today, 11th February 2026, at about 0600hrs within the State Secretariat Complex. I immediately led the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, Special Drone Unit and other Tactical Teams to the scene,” he said.
“On arrival at the scene, the operatives of the Explosive Ordinance Unit swiftly contained the explosion.”
He added that the area was secured and another explosive device was discovered and neutralised.
Iyamah said, “The area was immediately cordoned off and upon detailed search, one unexploded IED was identified by EOD operatives and was rendered safe. No life lost, no property destroyed.
“One Pentecost Elijah, a 60-year-old man from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State, was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident.”
According to him, the suspect is currently being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department and would be charged in court upon conclusion of investigations.
“Let me inform you that the situation is under control and normalcy has been restored. Members of the public are advised to remain calm and continue with their lawful business activities,” the police commissioner added.
News360 Info reports that following the incident, the Bayelsa State Government ordered a temporary four-hour closure of work at the secretariat as a precautionary measure.
The directive, issued by the Head of Service, Dr Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, affected over 6,000 state employees.
Security operatives, including anti-bomb squad personnel, cordoned off access roads leading to the State Secretariat and Government House while investigations and safety procedures were carried out.
Authorities later confirmed that the situation had been fully contained and normal activities restored.
