NEMA: Abuja explosion caused by suicide bomber attempting to sneak into army barracks

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says the explosion that occurred on Monday afternoon in Abuja was caused by a suicide bomber.

One person was injured in the wake of the blast at a bus-stop along the Mararaba-Nyanya expressway.

The police had said a comprehensive investigation had commenced, including detailed forensic analysis, to ascertain the exact cause and nature of the explosion.

In a statement on Tuesday, NEMA said the explosion occurred when a suicide bomber strapped with an improvised explosive device (IED), attempted to sneak into the Mogadishu army cantonment.

The agency said it was alerted to the explosion at about 1:47pm on Monday. Subsequently, a team was immediately activated to coordinate response.

“The team met stern looking security personnel at the already cordoned scene,” the statement reads.

“Information gathered revealed that a Suicide Bomber attempted to sneak into the Barrack but met his Waterloo as the IED exploded on him while trying to negotiate an entry.

“The suicide bomber died instantly leaving one passerby injured. The EOD unit of the NPF evacuated the injured to the National Hospital and took over the scene for further investigation; bringing the operation to a close at 17:29hrs.

“Stakeholders present included NEMA, Military, NPF, DSS, and FRSC.”