Madang police have removed an unexploded bomb found outside Lae Builders Company (LBC) following an attempted arson.
Unknown individuals placed the bomb inside three car tires piled up on each other and tried to ignite it in the early hours of April 1, 2025. A security guard and a local resident spotted smoke around 6:00am, extinguished the fire, and alerted authorities.
Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, said the device could have caused major destruction.
“If it had exploded, it could have damaged buildings and injured people,” Baim said.
The PNG Defense Force (PNGDF) safely removed the old-World War Two 105mm high-explosive projectile and disposed of it 25 kilometers out at sea.
Police have identified suspects and warned they will be arrested under the Counter-Terrorism Act.
“Madang is too small to hide. Surrender now,” Baim warned.
Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activity.