The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has officially confirmed that the explosion that rocked Abuja on Monday afternoon was the result of a suicide bombing attempt.

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.

The injured person, a civilian, was immediately evacuated by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit of the Nigeria Police Force to the National Hospital for treatment.

The blast, which occurred at approximately 1:47 pm on Monday, prompted a swift response from multiple agencies, including NEMA, the Military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Recall that the Nigerian Army and the FCT Command of the Nigeria Police Force had confirmed the explosion, noting that investigations were ongoing.

“Preliminary information indicates that the suicide bomber was attempting to gain unauthorised entry into the barracks when the IED detonated.

“Forensic experts have commenced investigations into the incident, and the operation was concluded at 5:29 pm.” NEMA stated.