Police confirm no casualties or damage as 60-year-old suspect is arrested; government orders temporary work suspension.

The Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa was rocked by a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion early Wednesday morning.

The blast, which occurred at about 6:00 a.m., triggered an emergency response from security agencies and caused a temporary disruption of official activities within the complex.

The Bayelsa State Police Command swiftly intervened following the incident.

Confirming the development, the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah, assured residents that no casualties were recorded and no property was damaged.

“The Bayelsa State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a suspected IED explosion which occurred on February 11, 2026, at about 0600hrs within the State Secretariat Complex. I immediately led the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit, and other tactical teams to the scene,” he said.

“On arrival, operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit swiftly contained the situation.”

Reports indicate that a 60-year-old man from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident.

Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Government, through the Head of Service, Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, directed that work at the secretariat be suspended for four hours as a precautionary measure.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the explosion.