Troops Recover 569 Rounds of Anti-Aircraft Ammunition on Kaduna–Jos Axis
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have intercepted a large cache of ammunition and suspected improvised explosive device components along the Kaduna–Jos highway, in what authorities described as a major breakthrough against terrorist logistics networks.
The Nigerian Army disclosed that the interception occurred at about 11:45am on Thursday during a precision stop-and-search operation near Boys Science Secondary School, Manchok, Kaduna State.
According to the military, troops deployed at Manchok and reinforced by a Special Forces Tactical Team flagged down a navy-blue Opel Wagon commercial vehicle with registration number NSR 154 TA (Kano), conveying seven passengers.
A comprehensive search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 569 rounds of 12.7mm anti-aircraft ammunition, several high-velocity warheads, and 189 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition, all concealed within the vehicle.
Troops also recovered a number of disused Global System for Mobile Communications handsets, which security experts say are commonly used as components in the fabrication of remotely detonated improvised explosive devices.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Khalifa Bawa, reportedly attempted to distance himself from the items, claiming they were part of a waybill consignment handed over to him by an unidentified individual. He, however, could not provide verifiable details of the sender or intended recipient.
All occupants of the vehicle have been taken into custody alongside the recovered items for further investigation, while security agencies have commenced efforts to trace the origin and destination of the shipment.
The military said the operation underscores the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven operations aimed at disrupting the movement of arms and explosives across key transit corridors.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal networks and ensuring the safety of lives and property within its area of responsibility.
By TopHeadlines