CP Tijani Calms Fears After IED Explosion Rocks Mushin Market, Revives Memories of 2025 Idi-Araba Blast

ByNewsmakers

Jun 22, 2026 #CP Tijani Fatai, #Idi-Araba blast 2025, #IED explosion in Lagos, #Lagos bomb explosion investigation, #Lagos Police Command, #Mushin market explosion, #Shoe Materials Market Mushin

CP Tijani Olaiwola Fatai addressing traders at the Mushin market after the reported explosion.

Segun Atanda/

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, has reassured residents and traders that the Shoe Materials Market area of Mushin remains safe following an explosion suspected to have been caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

The explosion, which occurred on Monday, triggered panic among traders and residents, prompting an immediate response from security agencies.

Addressing journalists at the scene, CP Tijani said the police swiftly deployed operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit to secure the area and assess the situation.

“We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was immediately cordoned off and subjected to a thorough search,” he said.

According to the police commissioner, preliminary investigations revealed that the device had been planted beneath a vehicle parked within the market.

“The IED was placed under the vehicle on the passenger side and detonated when the engine was started,” he added.

One person was injured in the explosion and was immediately taken to hospital for treatment. CP Tijani disclosed that the victim was responding to treatment and remained in stable condition.

He added that EOD experts conducted a comprehensive sweep of the market and adjoining areas but found no additional explosive devices.

“We want members of the public to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities. The area has been thoroughly searched and declared safe,” the commissioner said.

The incident has revived memories of a similar explosion that occurred in the Idi-Araba area of Mushin in April 2025. In that incident, a military-grade grenade detonated at a scrap metal yard, killing one person and injuring three others. Police bomb disposal experts later recovered additional live grenades from the scene and launched an extensive investigation into the source of the explosives.

The recurrence of explosive-related incidents within the Mushin axis is likely to raise fresh concerns among residents and business owners. However, security authorities insist that there is no cause for alarm, assuring the public that investigations are ongoing to determine those responsible for Monday’s explosion and prevent similar incidents in the future.

CP Tijani reiterated the Lagos State Police Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents to promptly report suspicious objects, movements, or activities to security agencies.