Suspected Suicide Bomb Explosion Rocks Mogadishu Barracks In Abuja.
A suspected suicide bomb explosion has struck near the Mogadishu Barracks in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, causing alarm in the city’s Asokoro district, one of the most secure areas of the capital. The incident, which occurred on Monday May 26 2025, has left authorities scrambling to assess the damage and investigate the circumstances surrounding the blast.
According to preliminary reports from local police, the explosion took place in the vicinity of the Mogadishu Cantonment, formerly known as the Sani Abacha Barracks, a military facility located close to the presidential palace. Eyewitnesses described a loud blast followed by chaos as people fled the scene. “It was terrifying. There was a deafening bang, and then everyone started running,” said a local trader who was near the barracks at the time.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but authorities have pointed to the possibility of involvement by extremist groups, such as Boko Haram, which has a history of targeting military and civilian sites in Nigeria. In a statement, the presidency condemned the attack, describing it as “a cowardly act of terror” and vowing that those responsible would face justice. “This heinous act will not go unpunished. Our security forces are working tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to book,” the president’s spokesperson said.
The explosion has reignited fears of insecurity in Abuja, a city that has previously experienced devastating attacks. In 2010, a similar bombing near the same barracks killed several people during New Year’s Eve celebrations, an attack attributed to Islamist insurgents. More recently, in January 2025, a suspected improvised explosive device detonated at a school near Abuja, killing two and injuring others, highlighting the ongoing threat of violence in the region.
Residents of Abuja expressed shock and grief at the latest incident. “This is supposed to be a safe area. How can this happen here?” asked Aisha Mohammed, a local resident. Community leaders have called for calm and urged the government to bolster security measures to prevent further attacks.
The Nigerian military and police are conducting a joint investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and identify those responsible. Forensic teams are examining remnants of the suspected explosive device, and authorities have promised to provide updates as more information becomes available.
As the nation mourns, questions remain about how such an attack could occur in a heavily guarded part of the capital. The incident underscores the persistent security challenges facing Nigeria, despite ongoing efforts to curb insurgency. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security agencies.