The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that the recent explosion in Abuja was a failed suicide bombing attempt targeting a Nigerian Army barracks.

NEMA, in a statement released on Tuesday, disclosed that the incident occurred when someone wearing an improvised explosive device (IED) attempted to infiltrate the Mogadishu Army Cantonment along the Mararaba-Nyanya expressway.

Reports stated that the device detonated during the attempt, killing the bomber instantly and leaving a passerby injured, a civilian, who was immediately evacuated by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit of the Nigeria Police Force to the National Hospital for treatment.

The agency described the situation as “a high-risk terror threat” that was fortunately intercepted before mass casualties could occur. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the scene to assess damage and prevent panic.

The area has since been secured, and residents were advised to remain calm but vigilant. Military intelligence sources confirm that investigations are ongoing to trace the origin of the attack and uncover any wider terror network behind the attempt.

NEMA has urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant, and report any suspicious activity to security personnel.