According to reports, the explosion, which happened at around 6:00 am, briefly interrupted official operations while security personnel rushed to secure the area and evaluate the situation.
The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah, confirmed the development in a statement provided to reporters, stating that no one was killed and no property was harmed.
The Bayelsa State Police Command would want to alert the public to a possible IED explosion that happened inside the State Secretariat Complex today, February 11, 2026, at around 6:00 a.m. “I led the Special Drone Unit, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, and other tactical teams to the scene right away,” he stated.
“The Explosive Ordinance Unit’s personnel quickly contained the explosion after arriving on the scene.”
Another explosive device was found and neutralized, he continued, and the area was secured.
“The area was cordoned off immediately, and after a thorough search, EOD operatives identified one unexploded IED and made it safe,” Iyamah stated. No property was destroyed, and no lives were lost.
In relation to the incident, a 60-year-old man named One Pentecost Elijah from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State, was taken into custody on the spot.
He said that the suspect is being questioned at the State Criminal Investigation Department right now and would face charges in court after the investigations are over.
“I want to let you know that things are under control and that things are back to normal. The people is urged to maintain their composure and carry on with their legitimate commercial operations,” the police commissioner continued.
As a precaution, the Bayelsa State Government reportedly imposed a brief four-hour work stoppage at the secretariat after the event.
Over 6,000 state employees were impacted by the instruction, which was issued by Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, the Head of Service.
While investigations and safety protocols were conducted, security personnel, including members of the anti-bomb squad, blocked off access roads to Government House and the State Secretariat.
Later, authorities affirmed that the crisis had been completely contained and that regular operations had resumed.
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