Wike Disputes NEMA’s Suicide Bombing Claim on Abuja Explosion

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged the National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) claim that Monday’s explosion near the Mogadishu Barracks in Abuja was the result of a suicide bombing attempt.

The explosion occurred at a bus stop along the Mararaba-Nyanya expressway, directly opposite the Mogadishu Army Cantonment. It resulted in the death of one person—believed to be the suspect—and left another injured. NEMA initially reported that the blast was caused by an individual wearing an improvised explosive device (IED) who was attempting to infiltrate the military facility before the device detonated prematurely.

However, in comments to the press after visiting the site of the explosion, Minister Wike disputed NEMA’s version of events. He stated that preliminary investigations did not support the conclusion that it was a suicide attack. According to Wike, it would be premature and potentially inflammatory to label the explosion an act of terrorism without concrete evidence.

He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation before drawing final conclusions.

The Nigerian Army confirmed the incident but offered limited details, stating only that the area had been secured and that the situation was under control.

The Nigeria Police Force has since opened a full investigation, including forensic analysis, to determine the nature and source of the explosion.

The blast has reignited concerns over security in the Federal Capital Territory, which has experienced multiple bombings over the past decade.

This latest incident is the second such event to occur since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023. While the cause of the explosion remains under investigation, authorities have urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to security agencies.

As the investigation unfolds, the contradiction between NEMA and the FCT Minister has raised further questions about coordination and communication between federal agencies during emergencies.