Abia Police clarify viral reports, explain military intervention during road reconstruction, assure residents of continued security vigilance

The Abia State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging the recovery of a bomb or explosive device in Aba, describing the claims as false and misleading.

In a clarification issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, said thorough investigations conducted through the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area confirmed that no explosive device was found at the location.

According to the police, the incident stemmed from an ongoing government road reconstruction project in Aba, during which a church structure was found to have encroached on the designated right of way. The church was subsequently directed to adjust its structure slightly to allow space for the project.

DSP Chinaka explained that the directive was not complied with, prompting the intervention of military personnel to enforce compliance. During the adjustment process, an iron rod forming part of a pillar of the church building was removed, which was later misconstrued as a bomb or explosive.

“At no time was any bomb or explosive recovered in the area. What was removed was simply an iron rod from the church structure being adjusted,” the statement clarified.

The Abia State Police Command reassured residents that, as the lead internal security agency, it remains fully committed to the protection of lives and property across the state. The Command noted that its officers are active, alert, and strategically deployed to maintain law and order.

The police urged members of the public to disregard unverified reports and rely on official information from security agencies.

The statement was signed by DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, and dated February 3, 2026.