A 26-year-old male volunteer has been arrested following a security incident involving a suspicious item at St Joseph’s Church along Upper Bukit Timah Road on 21 December 2025.
Police said they received a call for assistance at about 7.10am regarding a suspicious item found within the church premises at 620 Upper Bukit Timah Road.
Upon arrival, officers were informed that the volunteer had discovered the item inside a drain within the compound. The man allegedly immobilised himself and held onto the suspicious object after discovering it.
As a precautionary measure to ensure public safety, the Police secured the area and evacuated the church premises. The Singapore Armed Forces’ Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosive (CBRE) Defence Group was activated to conduct further assessments.

Following thorough checks, the item — which resembled an improvised explosive device — was assessed at about 10.40am to consist of three cardboard rolls and wires taped together with black tape, with no explosive elements present.
The item was subsequently removed from the scene by the Police.
Police operations concluded later in the day, with the cordon lifted at approximately 5.15pm. No injuries were reported during the incident.
The male volunteer was later arrested under Section 8(2)(a) of the United Nations (Anti-terrorism Measures) Regulations for his suspected involvement in the case.
Investigations are ongoing.
The Police thanked members of the public for their patience, understanding and cooperation during the operation.
🖼 Singapore Police Force/Facebook
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