A suspected suicide bomber was killed on Monday in an attempted infiltration into the Mogadishu Cantonment (popularly known as Abacha Barracks) in Abuja, after an Improvised Explosive Device 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 are often dropped off before taking tricycles into the barracks.
One of the source said the suspect alighted from a Volkswagen Golf vehicle and attempted to move toward the checkpoint.
The source noted that his suspicious movements drew the attention of a military police officer on duty, who halted him and requested he step back for identification.
“When his movement become suspicious, he was stopped by the military police on duty who asked him to shift back for proper identification and only for him to move few meters away and the IED he was carrying exploded killing himself and injured two others. “
Efforts to reach the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Lt. Col. Onyechi Anele, for comments were unsuccessful.
A post on the X of the Nigerian Army said, “Explosion At Bus Stop Opposite Mogadishu Cantonment Abuja. Situation Under Control. Details Later.”
The spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Josephine Adeh, confirmed an explosion occurred on along the Mararaba-Nyanya bypass in Abuja.
According to a statement by Adeh, the incident happened at about 2:50 pm and prompted an immediate response from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, which was deployed to the scene.
She said the area was quickly cordoned off for clearance and analysis to ensure the safety of commuters and residents.
“One male victim was rescued at the scene and promptly taken to the hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention,” Adeh said.
She added that a comprehensive investigation, including forensic analysis, had commenced to determine the exact cause and nature of the explosion.
The police urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, assuring the public that there is no cause for alarm. They also encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or via the following emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, and 07057337653.
