Panic gripped residents and commuters on Monday following a loud explosion near Abacha Barracks along the Nyanya-Maraba expressway in Abuja.
Initial reports indicate that the blast, suspected to be caused by a suicide bomber, resulted in one fatality and left another person injured.
Eyewitnesses described the incident as sudden and terrifying. A military source, who chose to remain anonymous, said a man believed to be a suicide bomber died when an explosive device—reportedly concealed in a rubber container—detonated near Mogadishu Barracks.
“There was an explosion around our area today. I can’t say for sure it was a suicide bombing, but the explosion happened and someone died,” a local resident told reporters.
However, some military personnel at the scene suggested the explosion might have come from a mobile device rather than an improvised explosive device (IED), casting doubt on the initial suicide bombing theory.
Security forces, including personnel from the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), swiftly arrived at the scene to secure the area and assess the situation.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Nigerian Army confirmed the incident:
“BREAKING NEWS: Explosion at bus stop opposite Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja. Situation under control. Details later…”
Authorities have assured the public that the situation is being handled and urged citizens to remain calm while investigations continue.
