News
Suspected IED Explodes at Bayelsa State Secretariat, No Casualties Reported
A suspected IED exploded at Bayelsa State Secretariat, prompting emergency response. No casualties were recorded; one suspect has been arrested
A suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was detonated early Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa, prompting swift intervention from security agencies and a temporary disruption of official activities.
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The explosion occurred around 6:00 am, triggering immediate response by the Bayelsa State Police Command.
Confirming the incident, CP Iyamah, Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, assured residents that no casualties or property damage were recorded.
“The Bayelsa State Police Command wishes 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 (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit, and other Tactical Teams to the scene,” he said.
On arrival, the EOD operatives contained the explosion. A detailed search revealed one unexploded IED, which was safely neutralized.
Pentecost Elijah, a 60-year-old man from Otuan Community, Southern Ijaw LGA, was arrested in connection with the incident and is currently under interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
Following the incident, the Bayelsa State Government ordered a temporary four-hour closure of work, affecting over 6,000 employees as a precaution.
Roads leading to the Secretariat and the State Government House were cordoned off while investigations and safety procedures were carried out.
CP Iyamah reassured residents: “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.”
Also read: Enugu Air Welcomes New Embraer 195 Aircraft, Expands Services
Authorities stressed that the situation was fully contained, and further investigations are ongoing.
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the NAF 931 aircraft crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss.
The Air Force said no survivors had been found and released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board the aircraft.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer A. Abubakar, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal H.C. Uguru, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer F. Onwuka; Master Warrant Officer B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeant R.B. James; Flight Sergeant A.I. Mohammed; Sergeant A.E. Ani; Sergeant S.I. Izibenikien; Sergeant C. Alafuka; Sergeant A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporal F.C. Ugwuba; Lance Corporal G.E. Eledan; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the Air Force differs from the initial information provided after the crash. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially said 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently clarified that the manifest contained 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda, close to a naval base, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was later located and rescue teams were deployed to the area.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died. He ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the victims.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
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