March 18, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
The Nigeria Police Force has issued a strong warning to Nigerians, revealing that modern Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are now being disguised as everyday items, making them far more difficult to detect.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that the alert was delivered by a counter-terrorism expert, CSP Gerald Udechukwu, during a high-level security summit held in Owerri.
IEDs Now Blend Into Everyday Life
According to CSP Udechukwu, the tactics of terrorists have evolved significantly, with explosives no longer appearing as obvious threats.
“The IED’s greatest weapon is normality,” he stated.
“Gone are the days when you could easily identify bombs by wires or disturbed soil.”
He warned that these devices can now be concealed in items that look completely harmless, stressing that Nigerians must shift focus from spotting suspicious objects to identifying unusual behaviour and patterns.
Worship Centres at Risk
The warning comes amid rising concerns over the vulnerability of religious centres. The summit, themed around protecting places of worship, brought together leaders from the Christian Association of Nigeria and Muslim communities to strengthen security awareness.
Police authorities cautioned that churches and mosques could become easy targets if vigilance is ignored.
“Curiosity Can Kill” – Police Warn
In a strong advisory, CSP Udechukwu urged citizens to avoid approaching suspicious items.
“Curiosity kills faster than explosives. Distance is your first protection,” he warned.
He emphasized that awareness and alertness remain the most powerful tools in preventing attacks—even more effective than advanced technology.
What Nigerians Should Do
The police outlined key safety steps:
- Stay alert to unusual movements or behaviours
- Avoid touching or inspecting suspicious items
- Maintain a safe distance at all times
- Report immediately to security agencies or bomb disposal units
“Don’t try to be a hero. Identifying a threat early is equivalent to preventing an attack,” he added.
Call for Nationwide Vigilance
The Police stressed that terrorism often begins subtly, not with an explosion but with a lapse in awareness.
“Terrorism does not always begin with an explosion; it begins with a moment of opportunity—when vigilance fails.”
The summit highlights a renewed push by the Nigeria Police, under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, to collaborate with religious bodies and communities in safeguarding lives and critical spaces.
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