By DEBORAH AKPEDE

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, said on Thursday that comprehensive investigation had revealed that Monday’s explosion in Mushin was not caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

He told journalists at a news conference held at the command headquarters, Ikeja. On the outcome of the comprehensive investigation into the incident.

Tijani said that the investigation indicated that the explosion, which occurred at No. 19 Wey St., Mushin, was caused by a mechanical failure rather than an IED as initially suspected.

He said preliminary observations at the scene had raised concerns about a possible IED explosion.

This, according to him, had prompted the police to activate standard security protocols and deploy experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit.

Tijani said the specialists carried out extensive forensic and technical examinations, including analysis of the damaged vehicle, recovered fragments, damage patterns and other physical evidence, as well as interviews with relevant witnesses.

He said the investigation conclusively established that the incident was not caused by an IED, terrorist activity, sabotage or any criminal use of explosives.

“Our technical findings revealed no traces of explosive materials, detonators, initiation systems, explosive residues or blast characteristics ordinarily associated with explosive attacks,” he said.

The police commissioner added that the affected vehicle did not exhibit the structural deformation, fragmentation patterns or other indicators commonly associated with explosive incidents.

Tijani explained that the explosion resulted from the catastrophic failure of a pressurised mechanical component located outside the vehicle, which triggered a sudden release of energy.

He said the impact shattered the front passenger-side glass panels of the vehicle and caused minor injuries to an occupant.

“Based on our findings, the incident has been professionally classified as a mechanical explosion and the case has been officially reclassified from a suspected IED incident,” he said.

The commissioner reassured residents that there was no evidence linking the incident to terrorism, insurgency, sabotage or any threat to public safety.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities, while assuring them that all reported explosions and related incidents would continue to receive thorough professional scrutiny.

Tijani commended residents who promptly alerted emergency responders and security agencies, saying their swift action contributed to the timely management and investigation of the incident. (NAN)

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