The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that the explosion which rocked Abuja on Monday afternoon was caused by a failed suicide bombing attempt targeting a military facility.
According to a statement released by NEMA on Tuesday, the incident occurred around 1:47 p.m. near the Mogadishu Army Cantonment along the Mararaba-Nyanya expressway. A lone individual wearing an improvised explosive device (IED) attempted to gain access to the army barracks but was stopped before succeeding.
The device exploded during the attempt, killing the suspected suicide bomber instantly. One civilian passerby sustained injuries from the blast and was immediately rushed to the National Hospital by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the suicide bomber was trying to enter the barracks without authorization when the device exploded,” the agency said.
NEMA quickly activated its emergency response team, which joined other security operatives at the scene. By the time they arrived, the area had already been cordoned off by soldiers and heavily armed security forces.
The response effort included personnel from the Military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), working alongside NEMA officials.
Forensic investigators also arrived on site to begin a detailed analysis of the scene, including identification of the attacker and the type of device used. The entire operation was wrapped up by 5:29 p.m. the same day.
Though the attack did not cause mass casualties, it has raised fresh concerns about security threats in and around Abuja, particularly along the Mararaba-Nyanya axis which is densely populated and frequently targeted in past terror-related incidents.
NEMA assured residents that security forces are on high alert and urged the public to remain calm but vigilant. Authorities also encouraged citizens to report any suspicious movements or items to the nearest security agency.
This incident comes as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terror groups, even in urban centers, and the need for continued cooperation between civilians and security agencies to keep lives and property safe.
