Suspected IED explosion foiled at Bayelsa State Secretariat, suspect arrested

Suspected IED explosion foiled at Bayelsa State Secretariat, suspect arrested

By: Zagazola Makama

Security operatives have arrested a man following a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) incident at the Bayelsa State Secretariat in Yenagoa.

Zagazola reports that the explosion was heard on Feb. 11, 2026, at about 6:00 a.m., prompting an immediate response from police operatives attached to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit.

Sources said that the suspect, identified as Pentecost Elijah, 60, of Otuan in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, reportedly admitted to placing the suspected explosives in the secretariat complex.

According to preliminary investigations, the suspect claimed he sought to draw attention from the State Government due to perceived neglect.

The sources said that the area has been cordoned off, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, along with CBRN specialists, are conducting thorough sweeps of the complex. Authorities confirmed that the situation is currently under control, and investigations are ongoing.

Suspected IED explosion foiled at Bayelsa State Secretariat, suspect arrested