The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has officially confirmed that the explosion that rocked Abuja on Monday afternoon was a suicide bombing attempt targeting the Mogadishu Army Cantonment.
According to a statement released by NEMA on Tuesday, the incident occurred when an individual wearing an improvised explosive device (IED) attempted to infiltrate the military facility located along the Mararaba-Nyanya expressway.
"Preliminary information indicates that the suicide bomber was attempting to gain unauthorised entry into the barracks when the IED detonated," NEMA stated in the release.
The explosion, which occurred at approximately 1:47 pm on Monday, resulted in the immediate death of the bomber. One civilian passerby was injured in the blast and was promptly evacuated by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit of the Nigeria Police Force to the National Hospital for treatment.
The incident triggered a rapid response from multiple security and emergency agencies, including NEMA, the Military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Both the Nigerian Army and the FCT Command of the Nigeria Police Force had earlier confirmed the explosion, noting that investigations were ongoing. NEMA reported that forensic experts have commenced investigations into the incident, with the initial emergency operation concluding at 5:29 pm on Monday.
This attempted attack on a military installation raises concerns about security in the Federal Capital Territory, coming at a time when the nation continues to battle various security challenges.
Authorities have not yet released information about the identity of the bomber or any group that might be responsible for the attempted attack. The public has been advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
