The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that the explosion that rocked Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, on Monday afternoon was a suicide bombing attempt targeting a high-security military facility.
According to a statement released by NEMA on Tuesday, the explosion occurred around 1:47 pm when an individual strapped with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attempted to breach the perimeter of the Mogadishu Army Cantonment located along the Mararaba-Nyanya expressway. The device prematurely detonated, killing the would-be attacker on the spot and injuring a civilian passerby.
Eyewitnesses reported a loud blast that sent shockwaves across the area, triggering panic among residents and motorists. Security personnel swiftly cordoned off the scene while emergency responders launched a coordinated operation.
SaharaReporters earlier confirmed that the assailant died instantly from the force of the explosion. The injured civilian was promptly evacuated to the National Hospital, Abuja, by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit of the Nigeria Police Force.
In a show of rapid inter-agency collaboration, NEMA, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) activated a joint emergency protocol. The operation concluded by 5:29 pm after the area was deemed secure and forensic teams began combing the scene for evidence.
“Preliminary information indicates that the suicide bomber was attempting unauthorized access into the barracks when the device detonated,” NEMA disclosed.
Security sources revealed that had the bomber succeeded in gaining entry into the barracks, the consequences could have been catastrophic. Investigations are ongoing to determine the identity of the bomber, the origin of the device, and possible links to extremist networks.
The brazen attempt has sparked renewed concerns over security around military installations and the resurgence of terror-related threats in the Federal Capital Territory.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as investigations continue.
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