Troops of ‘Operation Enduring Peace’ have intercepted a large cache of ammunition and suspected improvised explosive device (IED) components along the Kaduna–Jos Road.
The operation was carried out on Thursday, at about 11:45 a.m. near Boys Science Secondary School on the Manchok–Jos axis in Kaduna State.
According to the military, the troops, supported by a special forces tactical team, conducted a stop-and-search operation on a commercial vehicle – a navy-blue Opel wagon with registration number NSR 154 TA Kano – carrying seven passengers.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of concealed ammunition, including 569 rounds of 12.7mm anti-aircraft ammunition and several high-velocity warheads.
The troops also recovered 189 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition, as well as disused Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) handsets suspected to be components for remotely detonated IEDs.
The driver, identified as Khalifa Bawa, denied ownership of the items, stating that the consignment was handed to him as a “waybill” by an unidentified individual. He also claimed to have no information about the sender or intended recipient.
The army confirmed that all occupants of the vehicle have been taken into custody, while the suspects, the vehicle, and the recovered items are undergoing further investigation.
Military authorities added that efforts are ongoing to trace the origin of the shipment and identify those responsible.
