A suspected suicide bomber was killed on Monday in a failed attempt to infiltrate the Mogadishu Cantonment, popularly known as Abacha Barracks, in Abuja, after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) he was carrying detonated.
According to military sources, the incident occurred around 2:14 p.m. beneath the pedestrian bridge near the cantonment, close to a checkpoint where passengers often disembark before boarding tricycles into the barracks.
The suspect reportedly alighted from a Volkswagen Golf vehicle and began moving suspiciously toward the checkpoint. A military police officer on duty noticed his unusual behavior and stopped him for identification. The officer instructed him to step back, but shortly after moving a few meters away, the IED exploded, killing the suspect instantly and injuring two others.
Efforts to reach the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Lt. Col. Onyema Anele, were unsuccessful. However, a post on the Nigerian Army’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle confirmed the incident, stating: “Explosion At Bus Stop Opposite Mogadishu Cantonment Abuja. Situation Under Control. Details Later.”
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command also confirmed the explosion. Spokesperson Josephine Adeh said the blast occurred at about 2:50 p.m. along the Mararaba-Nyanya bypass and triggered a swift response from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, which was deployed to the scene.
Adeh added that the area was immediately cordoned off for thorough clearance and analysis to ensure public safety. “One male victim was rescued at the scene and promptly taken to the hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention,” she said.
She noted that a comprehensive investigation, including forensic analysis, is underway to determine the exact cause and nature of the explosion.
The police urged residents to stay calm and remain vigilant, assuring the public that there is no cause for alarm. They also encouraged the reporting of any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, and 07057337653.
ADEOLA KUNLE
