Explosion Rocks Army Barracks in Abuja, Sparks National Concern

A loud explosion jolted residents near the Mogadishu Cantonment popularly known as the Abacha Barracks on Sunday night, May 26, leaving at least one person dead and several others injured. The blast, which occurred around 10:45 p.m., sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s capital city and prompted immediate investigations by military and security officials.

Eyewitnesses told Dobblog that the explosion was followed by a wave of panic as soldiers sealed off the area, blocking access to civilian passersby and nearby residents. Smoke was seen rising from one section of the barracks compound, fueling fears of a larger attack.

“This one sounded different deep and powerful,” said Salisu Idris, a taxi driver who was dropping off a passenger nearby. “Everyone ran. The soldiers came out within minutes and told us to leave the road.”

Security sources later confirmed that the blast may have been caused by an improvised explosive device (IED), though investigations are still ongoing. The Nigerian Army has not released an official statement regarding the nature or motive of the explosion but assured the public that the situation is under control.

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The injured victims were taken to a military hospital within the barracks, and military police have begun interrogating staff and conducting checks on logistics areas and storage facilities inside the cantonment.

While no group has yet claimed responsibility for the blast, national security experts warn that the event may signal a renewed threat against military infrastructure especially in the capital, where security had recently been tightened following intelligence about possible coordinated attacks.

“This should not be treated as an isolated incident,” said retired Brigadier General Emmanuel Durojaiye. “If this was deliberate, it shows the enemy is getting bolder and they’re targeting our nerve centers.”

Abuja residents are now calling for increased security presence and greater transparency in the military’s findings. Many have also demanded the protection of civilians living near or around key military facilities.

As Nigeria continues to battle multiple internal security challenges including banditry, insurgency, and secessionist violence the explosion serves as a grim reminder that no part of the country is truly insulated from threat.

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