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Suspected IED detonated at Bayelsa Secretariat Complex
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No casualties or property damage recorded
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One suspect arrested, another device defused
A suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded early Wednesday at the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa, prompting a swift response from security agencies and temporary disruption of government activities.
The explosion occurred at about 6:00 am, according to the Bayelsa State Police Command.
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Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah, said no lives were lost and no property was damaged.
“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 Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit and other tactical teams to the scene,” he said.
Police operatives cordoned off the area and conducted a detailed search, during which one unexploded IED was discovered and safely defused.
Authorities also arrested a 60-year-old man identified as Pentecost Elijah, from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, in connection with the incident.
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The suspect is currently being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The police assured residents that the situation has been brought under control and normalcy restored.
Following the explosion, the Bayelsa State Government ordered a four-hour temporary closure of the secretariat, affecting over 6,000 state employees as a precautionary measure.
The directive was issued by the Head of Service, Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer.
Security operatives, including anti-bomb squads, restricted access to roads leading to the Secretariat Complex and the Government House while safety procedures were completed.
