The United States government has advised its citizens in Nigeria against unsafe movements in Abuja following a deadly explosion near the Nigerian Army Mogadishu Cantonment in the country’s capital on Monday.
In a travel advisory issued by the United States Embassy in Abuja shortly after the incident, the U.S. government said it was aware of the incident near the barracks and cautioned its citizens to avoid the area amid ongoing investigations by police.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja is aware of an explosion near the Mogadishu Barracks/the Mararaba-Nyanya bypass in Abuja. Police are investigating the incident. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja advises U.S. citizens to avoid the area at this time,” a statement by the U.S. Embassy said.
Furthermore, the embassy urged U.S. citizens to monitor local media for updates, be aware of their surroundings, review their personal security plans and carry proper identification.
The incident occurred near a bus stop opposite Mogadishu Cantonment, killing one person, who was reportedly the suicide bomber that had targeted a large scale attack on the military facility.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the incident in a terse statement on its official X page on Monday evening.
“Explosion At Bus Stop Opposite Mogadishu Cantonment Abuja. Situation Under Control. Details Later,” the Nigerian Army said.
Meanwhile, Abuja police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, in a statement also confirmed the incident, adding: “A comprehensive investigation has commenced, including detailed forensic analysis, to ascertain the exact cause and nature of the explosion.”