A suspected suicide bomber was reportedly killed in a failed attempt to detonate an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), at the bus stop of Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja on Monday afternoon.
Blueprint gathered that the device detonated prematurely near a military checkpoint near a bus stop of the cantonment, injuring two other individuals.
According to security sources, the incident occurred when the unidentified individual alighted from a Golf car under the pedestrian bridge near the entrance of the cantonment.
The suspect reportedly attracted the attention of military police personnel on duty due to his suspicious movement.
“Upon being asked to step back for proper identification, he moved a few meters away, at which point the explosive device he was carrying detonated.
“The explosion killed the suspect instantly and injured two bystanders, who are currently receiving medical treatment at the Defence Medical Hospital (DMH), ” the source added.
An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, including personnel from the Nigeria Police, quickly arrived at the scene, cordoned off the area, and began a thorough sweep for secondary threats. The remains of the suspect have been taken into custody for further investigation.
Security around the cantonment has since been heightened, and authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian has confirmed that there was an explosion at Mogadishu cantonment in Abuja.
According to a statement on it X handle @HQNigerian Army ( formerly Twitter) the army said the explosion occurred at a bus stop opposite the cantonment.
It said the situation has been brought under control.
” Explosion at bus stop opposite Mogadishu cantonment Abuja. Situation under control. Details later,” the Post reads.