U.S. mission issues security alert following bombing incident in Nigeria’s capital

The US Mission in Nigeria issued a security alert after Monday’s explosion in Abuja, which killed the suspected bomber and injured one other person.

In its advisory, the US Embassy urged all Americans residing in or traveling to Nigeria’s capital to exercise heightened caution.

According to the advisory, as seen by Business Insider Africa, the US Mission warned its citizens to steer clear of the location at this time and recommended several precautionary actions.

These include: monitoring local media for developments, staying aware of one’s surroundings, reviewing personal security plans, keeping phones charged for emergencies, and carrying proper identification.

The Mission emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant in public spaces and reiterated its longstanding guidance for US citizens to maintain a low profile, remain alert, and ensure contingency plans are in place.

Nigeria is currently under a Level 3 travel advisory (Reconsider Travel) with the U.S. government designating about 18 states as “Do Not Travel” zones due to heightened risks of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gang activity.

Speaking on the incident, the Nigerian Army confirmed the explosion at a bus stop near the Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja and assured the public that the situation is under control. This was announced via its official X handle.

Security sources suspect the blast may have resulted from a failed suicide bombing attempt, raising fresh concerns over the presence of extremist elements in or around the nation’s capital.

Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred when an individual wearing an improvised explosive device (IED) attempted to infiltrate the Mogadishu Army Cantonment along the Mararaba-Nyanya expressway.

“The device had detonated during the attempt, killing the bomber on the spot and injuring one passerby,” NEMA said in its statement.

“Preliminary information indicated that the suicide bomber was attempting to gain unauthorized entry into the barracks when the IED detonated,” the agency added in a follow-up statement.

Meanwhile, the police said that operatives from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit of the FCT Police Command have cordoned off the area.

The spokesperson for the command, Josephine Adeh, confirmed in a statement that “a male adult was injured in the incident.”

Although no group has claimed responsibility for the explosion, authorities have launched an investigation and increased surveillance around key government and military installations in the capital.