Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
An explosion suspected to have been caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) rocked the Shoe Materials Market in the Mushin area of Lagos State on Monday, June 22, 2026, injuring one person and triggering brief panic among traders and residents before security operatives moved in to secure the area.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Fatai Tijani, who visited the scene on Monday, assured traders and residents that the area is safe and fully secured. Addressing journalists at the scene, Tijani said police operatives, including personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, were swiftly deployed following reports of the blast. “We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched,” he said.
The police commissioner disclosed that preliminary investigations indicated that the explosion was caused by an IED planted beneath a vehicle parked within the market. He explained that the device had been placed on the passenger side of the vehicle and detonated when the engine was started. “The IED was under the vehicle by the passenger side. It exploded when the vehicle was started,” Tijani stated.
One person sustained injuries in the incident and was immediately taken to a hospital for medical attention. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, is said to be in a stable condition and responding to treatment.
The Baale of Oke Mushin Community, Mr. Tajudeen Faronbi, who also spoke with journalists, said the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday while he was observing his morning prayers. “Early this morning, around one o’clock, while I was praying, I received a call that something unusual had been seen. When I got there, I saw a vehicle and people were afraid to go near it,” he said. He explained that due to the sensitivity of the situation, he immediately contacted the Area Commander and other security authorities, who quickly mobilised officers to the scene. According to him, dozens of police officers, about 35 operatives, were deployed to secure the area, while additional backup units were also drafted to ensure order and prevent residents from approaching the scene. Faronbi said the swift response helped to calm tensions and prevent what could have escalated into panic within the community.
Tijani further disclosed that a comprehensive sweep of the market and surrounding areas was conducted by EOD operatives after the explosion, adding that no other explosive device was discovered. He urged traders, residents and members of the public to remain calm, stressing that there was no cause for alarm as security agencies had secured the area. The commissioner also dismissed rumours suggesting a wider security threat in Lagos, describing such claims as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic.
He assured residents that the command would continue to monitor developments and sustain efforts aimed at safeguarding lives and property across the state, while investigations into the incident continue. Remnants of the explosive device have been recovered and taken for forensic examination. The identity and ownership of the vehicle, as well as the motive behind the attack, remain unclear, according to the police and community leaders.
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