Military Enforces Stricter Checks Post-Abuja Bombing

Normalcy has returned to Mogadishu Barracks along the Nyanya-Mararaba expressway in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, days after a reported failed suicide bombing attempt disrupted activity in the area. 

By Friday, the once-tense atmosphere had eased significantly. Traders of all kinds — from roasted groundnut hawkers and POS operators to ice cream vendors — were back in business, lining the roadside near the barracks. The usual bustle of commercial bus drivers dropping off and picking up passengers had also resumed, with no visible signs of earlier restrictions.

Security barriers, including red tape and ropes that had cordoned off the area earlier in the week, had been removed, signaling a return to routine.

Still, heightened vigilance remained. A woman walking ahead of our correspondent was thoroughly screened before entering the market. Likewise, our reporter underwent a detailed body search, raising his arms as military personnel carefully checked his chest and pockets.

A POS operator our correspondent spoke with dismissed any concerns about insecurity, expressing confidence in the military’s ability to prevent further threats.

“Oga, forget. Nothing fit touch us for here. If anybody does anyhow for here, soldiers wey dey no get joy o,” she said in Pidgin English.

Inside the market, our correspondent observed traders and fun-seekers going about their activities without fear.

Conflicting narratives emerge on Monday’s incident

There have been differing accounts of the incident, which occurred on Monday.

While some witnesses described it as a bombing, others believed it was a failed suicide attack.

The first official confirmation of the incident came from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, which acknowledged an explosion but stopped short of categorizing it as a suicide attack.

FCT police spokesperson Josephine Adeh reported that the blast occurred at approximately 2:50 p.m., injuring one individual who was promptly taken to the hospital for treatment. She noted that the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit was immediately deployed to the scene, where they secured the area and initiated a forensic investigation.

Adeh reassured residents that the situation was under control and encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior.

In a contrasting account, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) initially described the incident as a botched suicide bombing in a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter).

According to NEMA, a suspect carrying an improvised explosive device (IED) attempted to breach the perimeter of the Mogadishu Army Cantonment. The device reportedly detonated prematurely, killing the suspect and injuring a bystander. The agency stated that the emergency operation concluded by 5:29 p.m.

Africa Today News, New York