Panic in Niger as Police Discover Suspected IED Inside New Bussa Hospital

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the discovery of a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) within the premises of the General Hospital in New Bussa, Borgu Local Government Area.

The device was reportedly found on Wednesday, at about 11:20am.

A resident of New Bussa told our correspondent that a security personnel at the hospital noticed the suspected device and immediately alerted conventional security operatives.

Confirming the incident, the police command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit were promptly deployed to the hospital following the report.

The command said the EOD operatives successfully rendered the device safe, searched the hospital premises and recovered the exhibit for further investigation and necessary action.

The discovery reportedly caused panic among residents and people around the hospital, with security operatives moving in to secure the area.

A source who spoke on the incident said:

“Right now, soldiers and police are moving around the hospital. Only patients and one or two of their relatives are allowed into the hospital now. The general population is no longer allowed in,” the source said.

The police, however, said the situation had been brought under control, adding that security measures around the hospital were strengthened.

According to the command, normalcy has since returned to the area.

The police did not reveal who planted the suspected device or the motive behind its placement as of the time of filing this report.