Police to Conduct Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Simulation at Eko Atlantic City
The Lagos State Police Command has announced that it will carry out a simulated Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exercise at Eko Atlantic City. The drill is scheduled to take place on Thursday and is aimed at boosting preparedness among security personnel while raising public awareness about the risks posed by IED threats.
In a public notice, the police assured residents and businesses within Eko Atlantic that the exercise is carefully planned and purely simulated, no actual explosives will be involved. Participants will include officers from the Lagos State Police Command and other relevant security agencies, all working together under controlled conditions to sharpen their skills in identifying and neutralizing IEDs.
Authorities emphasized that residents may observe increased movement of emergency vehicles, security checkpoints, and “unusual” activity in the area on that day. These behaviors are part of the drill framework and do not signal any real threat. The police urged cooperation, asking people to remain calm and to view the exercise as a proactive step in improving public security.
The simulation exercise reflects growing recognition of IED threats as a serious security concern nationwide. The National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) previously identified the proliferation of easily fabricated explosive devices, made from common materials, as a rising challenge for national security. Experts have noted that IEDs have been used to target civilians, disrupt infrastructure, and instill fear, highlighting a need for continuous readiness among law enforcement.
Though this is not the first such drill, it might be one of the most visible. Similar exercises have taken place in Abuja, notably during the “Rapid Response Exercise,” which featured IED simulations at the Idu Train Station, under the supervision of the Presidential Crisis Communication Command and Control Centre (PC4). These scenarios were designed to test inter-agency coordination during a crisis.
Throughout Nigeria, IED training has become a focus for security agencies. In Imo State, for example, police officers took part in a full-day session learning how to identify, handle, and dispose of IEDs. The training covered bomb recognition and safety protocols, equipping officers with the tools they need to respond effectively in high-risk situations.
These exercises are important not just for emergency readiness, but also for demonstrating commitment to public safety, especially in high-profile locations like Eko Atlantic, which is emerging as a major hub for business, tourism, and urban development in Lagos.
By conducting these simulations, law enforcement aims to prevent panic, improve response times, and strengthen cross-agency coordination. Though simulated, the drill sends a clear message: the security apparatus is preparing diligently for any eventuality, including threats posed by improvised explosive devices.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to treat the day as an opportunity to witness how modern security forces prepare for complex emergencies. No public action is required, and all observed measures, while appearing unusual, are components of a planned, tightly controlled exercise.
