By Jeffrey Agbo
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that the explosion in Abuja on Monday was caused by a failed suicide bombing targeting a military facility.
According to NEMA, the blast occurred when an individual wearing an improvised explosive device (IED) attempted to breach security at the Mogadishu Army Cantonment along the Mararaba-Nyanya expressway. The device detonated prematurely, killing the bomber and injuring a passerby.
The incident happened at approximately 1:47 p.m. on Monday. Security forces swiftly cordoned off the area, while NEMA deployed its emergency response team to the scene, which was already under heavy security.
“Preliminary information indicated that the suicide bomber was attempting to gain unauthorized entry into the barracks when the IED detonated,” NEMA said in a statement issued Tuesday.
The injured civilian was evacuated by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit of the Nigeria Police Force and taken to the National Hospital for treatment. Forensic experts have since launched an investigation into the incident.
The response operation concluded at 5:29 p.m. and involved multiple agencies, including the military, Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and NEMA.
