Security operatives have arrested a 60-year-old man following a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) incident at the Bayelsa State Secretariat in Yenagoa.
The incident reportedly occurred around 6:00 a.m. on February 11, 2026, when an explosion-like sound was heard within the secretariat complex, triggering an immediate response from police officers attached to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit.
Sources identified the suspect as Pentecost Elijah, a native of Otuan in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. He allegedly admitted to placing the suspected device within the premises. Preliminary findings indicate he claimed the act was intended to draw the attention of the state government over what he described as neglect.
Following the incident, security personnel cordoned off the area while Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) specialists conducted thorough sweeps of the complex.
Authorities said the situation has been brought under control and investigations are ongoing.
- Absa company secretary exits after 20 years - October 31, 2026
- Stanbic Botswana offers 20% stake in $99m stock market listing - October 31, 2026
- Elumelu-backed Seplat posts $260m profit, raises dividend by 58% - October 31, 2026
