The Lagos State Police Command’s Anti-Bomb Squad successfully deactivated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the bustling Ikeja area, averting what could have been a catastrophic incident.
The prompt action of a vigilant police officer played a crucial role in this operation.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the details of the incident to PUNCH Online on Wednesday.
According to Hundeyin, a sharp-eyed officer noticed a young man exiting a white Toyota Corolla and dropping a suspicious bag by the side of the Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit’s fence. The man then quickly returned to the vehicle and sped off, raising immediate concern.
Acting on this report, the area was swiftly cordoned off and experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) units were deployed to the scene. The team identified the object as an IED and followed standard operating procedures to neutralize the threat. The device was safely deactivated and taken to a secure location for detonation around 4 pm.
“Based on the report, a team of EOD-CBRN personnel was quickly mobilized to the scene to identify the object and render it safe if confirmed to be an IED,” Hundeyin elaborated. “Upon arrival, the object was discovered to be an IED, and the area was subsequently cordoned off. Standard operating procedures were adopted, and the IED was rendered safe and taken to a safe distance for detonation.”
Hundeyin assured the public that the situation was under control and the area remained calm following the incident. The quick and efficient response by the Lagos State Police Command highlights the importance of vigilance and the effectiveness of emergency response protocols in safeguarding public safety.
