Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has contradicted the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) regarding the cause of the explosion that occurred on Monday, May 26, 2025, in front of the Mogadishu military barracks in Abuja.
While NEMA initially reported that the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber attempting to infiltrate the army cantonment, Wike stated that security briefings he received do not support this claim.
According to Wike, the incident involved an individual who took an explosive from a quarry site, placed it in his pocket, and was unaware of its dangers. The device detonated on the individual, leading to the explosion.
Wike cautioned against spreading misinformation that could cause unnecessary panic among residents, emphasizing that NEMA is not the lead security agency and that only security agencies can confirm the nature of such incidents. He urged the public and media to avoid labeling the incident as a suicide bombing without conclusive evidence.
The explosion, which occurred at a bus stop along the Mararaba-Nyanya Expressway, resulted in one fatality and left one passerby injured.
The area was quickly cordoned off by security forces, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the blast.
Both the military and police have yet to release a final statement on the cause, maintaining that a comprehensive investigation—including forensic analysis—is underway. Residents have been advised to stay calm and vigilant as authorities continue their inquiries.
