Nigeria: Suicide Bombing Attempt Foiled Near Military Barracks in Abuja

Edited by: Widad WAHBI

The explosion that occurred on Monday near a military barracks in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, has been confirmed as a failed suicide bombing, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday.

Authorities report that the bomber died instantly when the explosive device he was carrying detonated before he could gain access to the military facility. The attack, which remains unclaimed as of Tuesday, injured a bystander who was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

The targeted barracks, located approximately five kilometers from the Nigerian president’s residence, is a strategic military site. In recent years, Abuja has experienced multiple bomb attacks, often claimed by jihadist groups such as Boko Haram or its splinter factions.

Photographs viewed by AFP on Monday showed the lifeless, bloodied body of a man lying on the ground, wearing a green-and-white striped shirt and black trousers—clothing later confirmed to belong to the suspected attacker.

Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh stated that the explosion occurred at approximately 2:50 p.m. local time on Monday. Explosive ordnance disposal units were immediately deployed to the scene.

“A comprehensive investigation has been launched, including detailed forensic analysis, to determine the precise cause and nature of the explosion,” Adeh confirmed