Police arrest suspect as bomb scare halts activities at Bayelsa secretariat

The Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) incident at the Bayelsa State Civil Service Secretariat in Yenagoa, which led to the arrest of a 60-year-old man and a temporary suspension of activities at the complex.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Muhammad, said the incident occurred around 6 a.m. on February 11, 2026, within the State Secretariat Complex.

He explained that the Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, promptly mobilised operatives from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit, and other tactical teams to the location, where the situation was quickly contained.

According to the statement, a thorough search of the area resulted in the discovery of one unexploded IED, which was successfully neutralised by EOD operatives.

The police confirmed that no casualties were recorded and no property was damaged. A suspect, identified as Pentecost Elijah, a 60-year-old native of Otuan community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was arrested in connection with the incident.

DSP Muhammad disclosed that the suspect is currently being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department and will be arraigned in court after investigations are concluded.

The bomb scare caused panic and disrupted activities at the secretariat, located along the Ovom axis of the Yenagoa–Mbiama Road near the Bayelsa State Government House, an area that is typically busy during official hours.

As news of the incident spread, workers and visitors reportedly fled their offices over fears of a possible explosion, prompting security operatives to cordon off the premises.

As a precaution, the Head of the Bayelsa State Civil Service, Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, was said to have ordered a shutdown of operations for the day to safeguard staff and visitors.

The police assured residents that the situation had been fully brought under control and urged members of the public to remain calm and continue their lawful activities.