The Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) incident at the Bayelsa State Civil Service Secretariat in Yenagoa, leading to the arrest of a 60-year-old man and the temporary shutdown of activities at the complex.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Muhammad, the command said the incident occurred at about 6 a.m. on February 11, 2026, within the State Secretariat Complex.
According to the police, the Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, immediately led operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit and other tactical teams to the scene, where the situation was swiftly brought under control.
The statement disclosed that one unexploded IED was discovered during a detailed search of the area and was successfully rendered safe by EOD operatives.
“No life was lost and no property was destroyed,” the police said, adding that a suspect identified as Pentecost Elijah, a 60-year-old man from Otuan community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was arrested in connection with the incident.
DSP Muhammad said the suspect is currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department and would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The bomb scare disrupted activities at the secretariat, located along the Ovom axis of the Yenagoa–Mbiama Road near the Bayelsa State Government House, an area usually busy during working hours.
As news of the incident spread, workers and visitors reportedly abandoned their offices for fear of another explosion, prompting security operatives to cordon off the premises.
In response, the Head of the Bayelsa State Civil Service, Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, was said to have directed workers to shut down operations for the day as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of staff and visitors.
The police assured residents that the situation was under control and advised members of the public to remain calm and go about their lawful activities.
