Esther Salifu
A suspected suicide bomber died on Monday after an improvised explosive device (IED) he was carrying detonated near the Mogadishu Cantonment (Abacha Barracks) in Abuja. The explosion injured two others and prompted swift security responses.
The incident occurred around 2:14 p.m. beneath the pedestrian bridge near the cantonment, close to a checkpoint. According to military sources, the suspect alighted from a Volkswagen Golf vehicle and attempted to approach the checkpoint. His suspicious behavior caught the attention of a military police officer on duty, who halted him and requested identification.
“An unidentified individual with a planted IED attempted to infiltrate into Mogadishu Cantonment after dropping from a vehicle around the pedestrian bridge,” a military source stated. “When his movement became suspicious, he was stopped by the military police on duty, who asked him to step back for proper identification. He moved a few meters away, and the IED he was carrying exploded, killing himself and injuring two others.”
The Nigerian Army confirmed the incident on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating: “Explosion At Bus Stop Opposite Mogadishu Cantonment Abuja. Situation Under Control. Details Later.”
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command also confirmed the explosion. “One male victim was rescued at the scene and promptly taken to the hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention,” said spokesperson Josephine Adeh.
Authorities have cordoned off the area and initiated a comprehensive investigation, including forensic analysis, to determine the exact cause and nature of the explosion. Residents are urged to remain calm and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
