- The Nigeria Police Force reportedly foiled an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack in Ikeja Lagos
- They warned the general public to be security conscious and report suspicious activities
- Some Nigerians are of the opinion that it was staged and the police doesn’t have the capacity to deactivate bombs
A few hours to the planned nationwide protest against bad governance, the Nigerian Police Force has said that it foiled an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, July 31.
The police revealed that the IED was discovered and detonated on July 31 by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, along Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos
This was contained in a statement posted on the force’s account signed by the police’s Public Relations Officer, Olumiyiwa Adejobi. In the statement, the force warned the public to “stay alert and be aware of their surroundings.”
The statement reads: “Following a recent incident involving the dicovery and successful detonation of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on 31st July, 2024, by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, along Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos, the Nigeria Police Force wishes to alert all citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or objectsl to the nearest police station.
“All members of the public are urged to stay alert and be aware of their surroundings, reporting any unusual or suspicious behaviour. Where one encounters an unfamiliar or suspicious object, please do not touch or move it. Rather, keep a safe distance and immediately inform the Police.
“The Nigeria Police reiterates that its foremost responsibility is to protect the lives and property of our citizens. While the Nigeria Police Force is working tirelessly to investigate further the source of the bearers of the IED planted in Lagos, dismantle their plans and apprehend those involved, the cooperation of well-meaning members of the public is vital in these critical times.
“It's pertinent to state that the intentions of the criminally minded individuals, who acted like terrorists for planting the IEDs at that strategic location, were purely to destroy houses, facilties and innocent citizens who may transverse along the route where the items were recovered. It is not out of point, however, to be vigilant to detect such unusual packages or parcels in our vicinity to avert any ugly incidences.”
Nigerians react, doubt ability of Police to deactivate bombs
This news has generated various reactions from Nigerians, many believe that the news is merely propaganda to distract the youth from protesting. Some Nigerians thought the supposed bomb attack was a joke and an insult on the intelligence of Nigerians.
Netizens who took to social media to express their opinion on the supposed attack that it was planned. Some people also found humour in the situation and others doubt the Nigerian Police have the capacity to deactivate bombs.
Here are some of the comments:
@OmegaXDreams posted: “Nigeria should be on Netflix!!! Suspicious objects.”
@PureStanley1 posted: “We know ur game. NIGERIANS, have u ever in history of Nigeria heard that the Nigerian police force have ever thwarted a bomb att@ck? Which kind lie be this? All this propaganda and lies just to sway pple from protesting. Tomorrow?
Clowns, we will still Protest, una see that protest wey una just dey churn out lies to make pple not to come out, e go happen, and heaven will not fall. NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE that are not highly trained and certified, dey foil IED bomb att@ck? Na only mumu go blv this fake news. Make all of una getat.”
@othmandanbaba posted: “you think this fake news will stop us from protesting? You’re learning work Ogah police. Can’t you people see that we are hungry and angry? Tell us the truth, are you policemen and women happy in this our current situation in Nigeria?”
@abazwhyllzz posted: “You people are very funny oo,why una no go do am for borno state?”
@TheBoykayy posted: “no single day you guys don't come on here to insult the collective intelligence of 200 million nigerians. are we kids ffs ???”
@PrinceSomorin posted: “A sincere question. Has anyone ever seen @PoliceNG use yellow crime scene tape before?”
@BrightIykeIMO posted: “Suddenly, Nigerian police are foiling and countering attacks. Go to Owerri and foil the unrest.”
@GidiGambino posted: “You people never get tired of all these elementary level deceit? Y’all not even stressing yourselves too much to think of something sophisticated. Rate Nigerians small, even if it’s 5/10. This is very embarrassing.”
@AkposJim posted: “Nigeria police don come with zobo. Just dey play. Na the protest dey cos all this plenty logic so. Scope don tooo much na.”
@savndaniel posted: “This is most shameful debase, and reeks of desperation. All in a bid to hijack the proposed peaceful protest, and find justification to cause mayhem. These peaceful protesters are also advocating for your well-being. If Nigeria is better today, it will favour you.”
@RealQueenBee__ posted: “Like seriously, are you kidding me?
The Nigerian Police Force has suddenly become a JOKE. A Bomb!”
Interesting twist as Inspector General of Police orders protection for protesters
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, issued directives to the deputy Inspectors General of Police (Operations and Intelligence), Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) at Zonal Headquarters, and Commissioners of Police (CPs) at State Commands to ensure the security of protesters.
Despite initial reports of requesting the personal details of protest organisers, the IGP issued a directive to the police to protect protesters.