Panic gripped parts of Abuja on Sunday after a man was killed in an explosion at a bus stop directly opposite Mogadishu Cantonment—commonly known as Abacha Barracks—along the Abuja-Nyanya Road in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Although official statements from the Nigerian Army and the FCT Police Command did not confirm any fatalities, graphic video footage from the scene revealed the remains of a man being lifted into a security vehicle, suggesting he died on the spot.
The explosion, which occurred around 2:35 p.m., sent shockwaves through the area.
The site sits between a densely populated residential zone and one of Abuja’s most heavily guarded military installations.
The vicinity also houses two strategic military checkpoints: one on the bridge linking the barracks to the upscale Asokoro Hill, and another directly in front of the cantonment’s main gate.
Nearby landmarks include the Nigerian Air Force Valley Estate, Navy Town, and a tricycle park that serves commuters entering and exiting the barracks.
Eyewitnesses described a tense scene. “This is an area where passengers commonly disembark before proceeding on foot or by tricycle (Keke NAPEP) into the facility,” one source told Daily Trust.
According to the witness, a man had exited a Golf vehicle under the pedestrian bridge close to the cantonment’s entrance. “When his movement became suspicious, he was stopped by the MP personnel on duty. He was asked to shift back for proper identification, and only for him to move a few meters away and the IED he was carrying exploded, killing him and injuring two others,” the witness said.
A Daily Trust source added that the man had been seen attempting to access the barracks since the previous afternoon. The injured victims are reportedly being treated at the Defence Military Hospital inside the cantonment.
In an initial reaction, the Nigerian Army posted on its official X handle: “Explosion at bus stop opposite Mogadishu Cantonment Abuja. Situation under control. Details later.”
Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh confirmed that a male adult had sustained injuries and was taken to an undisclosed hospital. She said operatives from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit were immediately deployed to the site.
According to Adeh, “The affected area was swiftly cordoned off for clearance and analysis to ensure the safety of commuters and residents.” She added that a “comprehensive investigation has commenced, including detailed forensic analysis to ascertain the exact cause and nature of the explosion.”
She also urged residents to stay calm and continue their activities without fear.
Meanwhile, a senior police officer disclosed that the incident had triggered high-level security alerts across all military and paramilitary barracks in Abuja.
“The incident has called the attention of top hierarchy in the government and the security sector. What happened today has negative impact on many things, so we have been directed to up our games,” the officer said.
