On Monday, May 26, 2025, a suspected suicide bomber was killed near the Mogadishu Barracks in Abuja, Nigeria.
The explosion resulted in one death and left another individual injured. The device, believed to be a bomb, was reportedly contained in a rubber can.
Eyewitnesses, including a military personnel who spoke anonymously, suggested that the incident might have involved a phone-triggered explosive device.
Authorities, including the military, Department of State Services (DSS), police, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), responded promptly to the scene.
However, media personnel were denied permission to capture photos or videos, limiting public access to firsthand visual information.
A History Of Security Challenges In Abuja
This incident is not the first of its kind in Abuja. In June 2011, a suicide bomber attacked the Nigerian Police Force headquarters in Abuja, resulting in multiple casualties.
Later that year, in August 2011, another suicide bombing targeted the United Nations building in Abuja, killing at least 21 people and injuring 73.
In 2014, the Emab Plaza in Wuse, Abuja, was bombed, leading to at least 21 deaths and numerous injuries.
Government Response And Public Perception
The Nigerian government’s response to such incidents has often been met with criticism.
In the past, there have been concerns about the speed and accuracy of investigations.
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For instance, after a previous explosion in Abuja, the police quickly linked three individuals from Katsina to the incident without thorough investigation, leading to public skepticism.
Security Agencies: A Comedy Of Errors?
The coordination among Nigeria’s security agencies has often been described as a “comedy of errors.”
In this latest incident, while the military, DSS, police, and NEMA responded to the scene, the denial of media access raised questions about transparency and accountability.
The public’s confidence in these agencies remains fragile, and incidents like this only serve to erode trust further.
The Abuja Bombing
The recent bombing near the Mogadishu Barracks serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria.
While the government’s response was swift, the lack of transparency and the history of security lapses suggest that more needs to be done to ensure the safety of citizens.
As Abuja continues to grapple with these issues, the public remains hopeful for a more coordinated and effective approach to security.
