Activities have returned to normal at the Mogadishu Barracks along the Nyanya-Mararaba road in the Federal Capital Territory, following a reported failed suicide bombing attempt earlier in the week.
On Friday, traders, ranging from cooked groundnut vendors and POS operators to ice cream sellers were seen conducting business around the barracks when our correspondent visited.
Commercial bus drivers had also resumed dropping off and picking up passengers at the usual spots near the barracks.
The vehicles, red tape, and ropes that were used to barricade the scene on Monday were no longer visible.
However, painting work was observed at the entrance gate of the barracks.
Unlike previous Fridays when security checks were relaxed, tighter security was noticeable this time.
The main gate leading to the Mami Market was locked, and entry was restricted to a smaller gate manned by military police. Everyone entering was thoroughly searched.
A woman ahead of our correspondent had her bag meticulously searched before being allowed into the market.
Our correspondent also submitted to a body search, raising his hands up as military personnel patted down his chest and trouser 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 statement came from the FCT Police Command, which confirmed an explosion without labeling it a suicide attack.
According to the Abuja police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, the explosion occurred around 2:50 p.m., injuring one person who was taken to the hospital.
Adeh stated that the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit responded immediately, cordoning off the area for clearance and forensic investigation. She assured residents that the situation was under control and urged the public to report any suspicious activities.
In contrast, the National Emergency Management Agency initially described the incident as a failed suicide bombing in a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter).
NEMA stated that a suspect carrying an Improvised Explosive Device tried to infiltrate the Mogadishu Army Cantonment.
The device reportedly detonated on the suspect, killing him and injuring a passerby. The agency said the operation concluded at 5:29 p.m.
“Preliminary information indicated that the suicide bomber was attempting to gain unauthorised entry into the barracks when the IED detonated,” the agency reported in a statement issued Tuesday.
“The injured civilian was immediately evacuated by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit of the Nigeria Police Force to the National Hospital, while forensic experts began an investigation into the incident. The operation was officially concluded at 5:29 p.m, “ NEMA said in a now-deleted post on X.
Additionally, a military report seen by our correspondent supported the suicide bombing narrative.
It detailed how a suspected bomber, who had alighted from a Volkswagen Golf vehicle near the pedestrian bridge close to a checkpoint, was stopped by a military police officer.
As the officer asked him to step back for identification, the device exploded, killing the suspect and injuring two others.
The Nigerian Army has yet to provide an updated official statement. It had initially posted on X saying, “Explosion at bus stop opposite Mogadishu Cantonment Abuja. situation under control. Details Later.”
Efforts to reach Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Onyechi Anele for comment were unsuccessful.
