The Lagos State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into a suspicious parcel containing two live rounds of ammunition that was delivered to the residence of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria, Oluwasegun Alebiosu.
The incident, which has raised security concerns within banking and law enforcement circles, occurred at the bank chief’s residence in the upscale Ikoyi area of Lagos.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, confirmed the development while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja during a review of security operations and other activities carried out by the command over the past two weeks.
According to the police commissioner, the suspicious parcel was delivered to Alebiosu’s residence on May 7, 2026, and was initially received by a security guard attached to the property.
The parcel was later opened and its contents examined, leading to the discovery of two live rounds of ammunition.
“The Managing Director of First Bank reported that a parcel collected by a security guard at his residence was later opened and found to contain two live rounds of ammunition,” Fatai told journalists.
He explained that preliminary examination showed that the recovered ammunition consisted of 7.62mm calibre rounds, a type commonly used in certain rifles.
The discovery immediately triggered security concerns and prompted the police to commence investigations to determine the source of the parcel, the identity of those responsible and the motive behind the act.
Although no threatening letter or message was publicly disclosed as accompanying the parcel, security experts note that sending live ammunition to an individual’s residence is often interpreted as an attempt to intimidate, threaten or create fear.
The commissioner, however, cautioned against speculation and urged members of the public to allow investigators to carry out their work without interference.
According to him, detectives have already begun examining available evidence and pursuing leads that could help identify those connected to the incident.
Fatai disclosed that the First Bank chief had mentioned certain individuals he suspected might have knowledge of or links to the parcel. However, he stressed that those mentioned remain only suspects at this stage and that no conclusions have been reached.
“Those mentioned are merely suspects based on the complainant’s suspicion. Our investigation will determine those truly connected to the incident,” he said.
The police commissioner added that no arrests had been made as of Tuesday, but assured that investigations were progressing.
He reiterated that law enforcement authorities would thoroughly examine all allegations, interview relevant persons and analyse available evidence before determining responsibility.
“We are following all available leads. No person or organisation has officially been linked to the incident at this stage,” he said.
Fatai assured that the command would leave no stone unturned in its efforts to uncover the truth.
He pledged that anyone found to be involved in the act would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The incident has attracted public attention because of Alebiosu’s position as the head of one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prominent financial institutions.
First Bank, founded in 1894, is widely regarded as the country’s oldest commercial bank and remains one of the largest financial institutions in Nigeria. The bank serves millions of customers across the country and has a significant presence in several African countries and international markets.
As Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Alebiosu oversees the operations of a banking institution that plays a major role in Nigeria’s financial system.
Because of the importance of the position, security analysts say any threat, whether direct or indirect, directed at the bank chief is likely to receive serious attention from law enforcement agencies.
Although the police have not disclosed possible motives behind the incident, investigators are expected to explore several angles, including personal, professional and business-related factors.
The delivery of suspicious packages is not entirely new in Nigeria. Over the years, security agencies have investigated several cases involving threatening letters, suspicious parcels and anonymous messages sent to politicians, business leaders and public officials.
In many cases, investigations have revealed motives ranging from personal disputes and intimidation attempts to criminal extortion schemes.
The discovery of live ammunition in a parcel destined for a prominent banking executive has therefore heightened concerns about personal security and the safety of corporate leaders.
The development comes at a time when security agencies across the country are increasing efforts to combat various forms of crime, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cybercrime and threats against public figures.
The Lagos State Police Command has repeatedly urged residents to report suspicious activities and unusual packages to law enforcement authorities rather than attempting to handle such situations on their own.
Security professionals also advise individuals and organisations to strengthen screening procedures for parcels and deliveries, particularly in residences and offices occupied by high-profile persons.
Meanwhile, the police have appealed for patience as investigations continue.
Fatai said detectives would rely on scientific and intelligence-based methods to determine where the parcel originated from, how it was delivered and whether it was intended as a threat or part of a wider criminal plan.
He maintained that every claim connected to the incident would be carefully examined before any official conclusions are announced.
The commissioner further assured Lagos residents that there was no immediate threat to public safety arising from the incident, while highlighting that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property.
As investigations continue, attention will remain focused on the outcome of the police probe and whether it will reveal those responsible for sending the parcel containing live ammunition to one of Nigeria’s most prominent banking executives.