By Nkechi Eze
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 authorities described as a major disruption of terrorist logistics within the joint operations area.
The interception was carried out by troops deployed in Manchok and reinforced by a Special Forces tactical team during a stop-and-search operation in Kaduna State.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Chinonso Oteh, the operation took place at about 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2026, near Boys Science Secondary School along the Manchok–Jos road.
Security personnel flagged down a navy-blue Opel Wagon commercial vehicle with registration number NSR 154 TA Kano, which was conveying seven passengers at the time.
A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a substantial quantity of ammunition concealed within the vehicle. Items recovered included 569 rounds of 12.7mm anti-aircraft gun ammunition, several high-velocity warheads and 189 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Troops also recovered a collection of disused Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) handsets, which security experts often identify as components commonly used in the construction of remotely detonated improvised explosive devices.
During preliminary questioning at the scene, the driver of the vehicle, identified as Khalifa Bawa, denied ownership of the items and claimed the shipment was a waybill consignment handed to him by an unidentified individual.
According to the statement, the driver told investigators that he had no contact information or identifying details of either the sender or the intended recipient of the consignment.
Following the discovery, all occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody alongside the seized vehicle and recovered items for further investigation.
Military authorities said forensic analysis and detailed investigations are ongoing to trace the origin of the ammunition and uncover the wider network responsible for attempting to transport the weapons across state lines.
The successful interception is considered a major setback for criminal elements seeking to move weapons and explosive components through the region.
