Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have intercepted a large cache of ammunition and suspected improvised explosive device (IED) components along the Kaduna–Jos highway, in what security officials described as a major disruption of terrorist logistics.
The operation was carried out at about 11:45 a.m. on Thursday near the Boys Science Secondary School axis of the Manchok–Jos road in Kaduna State.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, troops deployed at Manchok, supported by a Special Forces Tactical Team, intercepted a navy-blue Opel Wagon commercial vehicle with registration number NSR 154 TA (Kano), conveying seven passengers.
A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered a significant cache of concealed ammunition, including 569 rounds of 12.7mm anti-aircraft ammunition, several high-velocity warheads, and 189 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Security operatives also recovered a number of disused Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) handsets, which are commonly identified by experts as components used in the construction of remotely detonated IEDs.
During preliminary interrogation, the driver, identified as Khalifa Bawa, reportedly denied ownership of the items, claiming they were part of a “waybill” consignment handed over by an unidentified individual. He was unable to provide verifiable details regarding the sender or intended recipient.
All occupants of the vehicle have since been taken into custody alongside the recovered items and the vehicle. Military authorities said the suspects are undergoing further interrogation, while forensic analysis is being conducted to aid ongoing investigations.
The statement added that efforts are underway to trace the origin of the shipment and dismantle the broader network behind the attempted movement of arms across state lines.
Security officials noted that the interception underscores ongoing efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to curb the movement of illicit arms and weaken terrorist operations within its area of responsibility.
