Explosion in Nigeria’s capital Abuja targets Army barracks, says NEMA, Army
*Army confirms, as NEMA says incident caused by suicide bomber
By OUR REPORTER
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that the explosion that rocked Abuja on Monday afternoon was the result of a suicide bombing attempt.
NEMA, according to a media source, said the incident occurred when an individual wearing an improvised explosive device (IED) attempted to infiltrate the Mogadishu Army Cantonment along the Mararaba-Nyanya expressway.
The device detonated during the attempt, killing the bomber on the spot and injuring one passerby.
Authorities were alerted to the blast at approximately 1:47 p.m. on Monday. NEMA promptly activated a response team, which arrived at the already cordoned-off scene manned by heavily armed security personnel.
“Preliminary information indicated that the suicide bomber was attempting to gain unauthorized entry into the barracks when the IED detonated,” the agency reported in a statement issued Tuesday.
The injured civilian was immediately evacuated by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit of the Nigeria Police Force to the National Hospital, while forensic experts began an investigation into the incident. The operation was officially concluded at 5:29 p.m.
The coordinated response involved several security and emergency agencies, including NEMA, the Military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Also confirming the incident the Nigerian Army, which said it thwarted the suicide bomb attack near the Abuja military base.
The Nigerian Army, while confirming the explosion, said it happened at a bus stop near Mogadishu Cantonment and assured the public that the situation was under control.
The failed suicide bombing attempt that happened on Monday, May 25th, 2025 killed an unidentified person who had a planted Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that exploded.
Reports say the carrier of the IED attempted to infiltrate Mogadishu Cantonment when his movement became suspicious and was stopped by the Military Police on duty and the IED he was carrying exploded killing himself and injuring 2 others.
Injured victims are said to be receiving treatment in hospital. Reports further said the scene had been cordoned off.
