A suicide bomber caused an explosion near a military barracks in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.
The blast occurred at about 2:50 pm, roughly five kilometres from the Nigerian president’s residence, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said.
The bomber died instantly, while one passerby was injured during the attack, according to NEMA’s statement on Tuesday.
The device detonated as the attacker tried to enter the military post, raising concerns over security near sensitive areas.
Security forces have yet to officially confirm the cause of the explosion, with the Nigerian army only referring to it as “an explosion.”
Authorities launched a thorough investigation, including forensic analysis, to uncover the exact nature and cause of the blast, police said.
Photos obtained by AFP showed the body of a man in a green-and-white shirt lying bloodied on the ground at the scene.
Abuja has been targeted before by jihadist groups such as Boko Haram, known for deadly bombings and attacks across northern Nigeria.
The last major assault in the capital occurred in July 2022, when ISWAP militants attacked a prison, killing five and freeing nearly 900 inmates.
This recent attack underscores the ongoing threat posed by jihadist groups and armed gangs in Nigeria’s northern and central regions.
Kidnappings, looting, and murders have surged amid rising insecurity in these areas, deepening fears for civilian safety.
Authorities face mounting pressure to bolster security and prevent further violence in the nation’s heartland.