Panic swept through a busy market area in Mushin, Lagos, on Monday after an explosive device detonated beneath a parked vehicle, prompting an emergency security response and temporary disruption of activities.
Authorities later confirmed that the explosion at the Shoe Materials Market was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), but said the situation had been contained and no additional threats were discovered.
Speaking at the scene, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, said officers moved in immediately after receiving reports of the incident. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel secured the area, carried out a full sweep and recovered fragments of the device for forensic analysis.
According to the commissioner, preliminary findings showed the explosive had been placed beneath the passenger side of a vehicle and detonated shortly after the engine was switched on.
“We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched,” he said, adding that one person sustained injuries and was taken to hospital in stable condition.
Police said no additional explosive materials were found during the operation and urged traders and residents not to panic or spread unverified claims about security conditions in Lagos.
Providing local context, the Baale of Oke Mushin Community, Tajudeen Faronbi, said he received an alert in the early hours of Monday after residents noticed something unusual around the vehicle. Security agencies were contacted immediately, leading to a rapid deployment of officers to isolate the location and prevent public exposure.
The identity of the vehicle owner had not been confirmed at the time of reporting, while investigations remain ongoing to determine how the device was planted and whether anyone else may be connected to the incident.
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