A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) planted beneath a vehicle exploded at a shoe materials market in the Mushin area of Lagos, leaving one person injured.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, prompting an immediate response from the Lagos State Police Command.

Speaking during an inspection of the scene, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, said officers received reports of the explosion and swiftly deployed Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operatives to secure the area and conduct preliminary investigations.

According to the police commissioner, initial findings indicated that the explosion was caused by an IED concealed beneath the passenger side of a vehicle. The device reportedly detonated when the vehicle’s engine was started.

“We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched,” Tijani said.

“The IED was under the vehicle by the passenger side. It exploded when the vehicle was started.”

He confirmed that one person sustained injuries in the explosion and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital, where the victim is said to be in stable condition.

The commissioner added that fragments and other remnants of the explosive device were recovered from the scene and have been taken away for forensic analysis as investigations continue.

Also speaking on the incident, the Baale of Oke Mushin community, Tajudeen Faronbi, said he was alerted to the situation at about 1 a.m. and immediately contacted security authorities.

“Early this morning, around one o’clock, while I was praying, I received a call that something unusual had been seen,” Faronbi said.

“When I got there, I saw a vehicle and people were afraid to go near it.”

He commended security personnel for their swift response, noting that officers quickly arrived at the scene after being notified.

Authorities have yet to determine who planted the device or the motive behind the attack, while forensic investigations remain ongoing.