AMCODET Urges Government to Install CCTV in Computer Village Following Explosion Incident

The Association of Mobile Communication Device Technicians (AMCODET) has called on the Nigerian government to install solar-powered CCTV cameras in Computer Village, Lagos, to bolster security following a disturbing explosion that recently rocked the popular electronics and mobile phone hub. The incident, which has reignited longstanding concerns over public safety in one of West Africa’s busiest tech markets, has prompted AMCODET to propose urgent measures to prevent future threats.

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Explosion Sparks Security Concerns in Lagos’ Tech Hub

The explosion occurred on Friday, April 11, 2025, at approximately 6:35 p.m. at a CCTV dealer’s shop on Kodesho Street, near Computer Village in Ikeja. According to reports, the blast was triggered when a parcel—later discovered to contain an explosive device—was opened inside the shop. The explosion left five individuals injured, all of whom were promptly rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for emergency treatment.

In response, the Lagos State Police Command deployed a team comprising the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Mobile Police Detachment, and Conventional Police Officers to the site for immediate investigation and area sweep. While Commissioner of Police CP Olohundare Jimoh has assured Lagosians that investigations are ongoing and the situation is under control, the explosion has exposed gaps in security infrastructure in Computer Village.

AMCODET’s Security Proposal: Surveillance as a Deterrent

Reacting to the incident, AMCODET President Mr. Kehinde Apara expressed deep concern about the vulnerability of Computer Village, which sees thousands of daily visitors and transactions involving high-value gadgets and devices. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Apara highlighted the urgency of implementing preventive security measures.

“The lack of adequate security infrastructure has made Computer Village an easy target for criminal activities,” Apara said. “AMCODET has approached other stakeholders to improve security in the village and has proposed the installation of solar-powered CCTV cameras at the main entrance and key points within the market.”

The association believes that a government-backed surveillance initiative would not only deter criminals but also assist law enforcement in swiftly responding to potential threats. Apara emphasized that beyond the market’s commercial significance, it also holds strategic importance for Lagos and Nigeria’s tech economy, necessitating higher security standards.

“I also think that the government can be of great help in this regard to avoid the breakdown of law and order,” he added.

Internal Measures to Protect Technicians

Apart from calling on the government for structural interventions, AMCODET is also taking proactive internal steps to safeguard its members. According to Apara, the association is working on enforcing a mandatory verification protocol requiring customers to provide proof of ownership or a consent form before a technician can unlock any mobile device.

This measure is intended to protect technicians from unknowingly handling stolen or suspicious phones, a scenario that has previously led to arrests and reputational damage within the profession.

“We must protect our members by making sure they are not liable for issues beyond their control,” Apara explained. “Technicians will now be trained to request valid documentation before performing unlocking or software-related services.”

Training and Stakeholder Collaboration

As part of a multi-pronged approach, AMCODET is advocating for increased training for phone repair technicians, particularly in identifying potential security risks and handling suspicious devices. Apara stressed that with the evolving tactics used by criminals, technicians must be equipped not just with tools, but also with knowledge and vigilance.

He further called for enhanced collaboration between security agencies and market associations, including coordinated workshops and joint security audits. “Only through collaboration and awareness can we develop sustainable and effective strategies to ensure safety for all stakeholders in Computer Village,” Apara noted.

Public Safety and Government Responsibility

While the police continue to investigate the source and motive behind the explosion, the incident has placed a renewed spotlight on urban security challenges in densely populated commercial centers like Computer Village. Experts agree that in a tech-centric environment where high-value items change hands daily, surveillance infrastructure is not just beneficial—it is essential.

Public advocacy for CCTV surveillance in urban markets is gaining momentum, and AMCODET’s proposal represents a clear, actionable request that aligns with broader public safety goals. With solar-powered technology offering a cost-effective and sustainable solution, the onus is now on both the state and federal governments to act swiftly and prevent future tragedies.

 A Call to Secure Nigeria’s Tech Nerve Center

The April 11 explosion may have been contained, but its implications remain deeply troubling. For AMCODET, the incident has underscored the urgent need for proactive security investment, both in terms of physical infrastructure and human awareness. As stakeholders await the outcome of police investigations, the association’s call for CCTV installation provides a clear path forward in safeguarding lives and livelihoods in Lagos’ iconic tech marketplace.