Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have intercepted a large cache of ammunition and suspected explosive components along the Kaduna–Jos highway in a major security breakthrough.
The operation, carried out by troops deployed at Manchok and reinforced by a Special Forces tactical team, led to the interception during a stop-and-search exercise on Thursday morning.
The incident occurred at about 11:45 a.m. near Boys Science Secondary School along the Manchok–Jos road in Kaduna State.
Security operatives flagged down a navy-blue Opel Wagon commercial vehicle with seven passengers on board. A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered a significant quantity of ammunition concealed inside.
Items recovered include 569 rounds of 12.7 millimetre anti-aircraft ammunition, several high-velocity warheads, and 189 empty shells of 7.62 millimetre special ammunition.
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Troops also recovered disused GSM handsets, believed to be components commonly used in the fabrication of improvised explosive devices.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Khalifa Bawa, reportedly claimed the items were a waybill consignment handed to him by an unidentified source, with no details of the sender or intended recipient.
All occupants of the vehicle have been taken into custody, while the recovered items and vehicle are undergoing further forensic examination.
Military authorities say efforts are ongoing to trace the origin of the shipment and dismantle the network behind the movement of the weapons.
The military has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations aimed at disrupting the movement of illegal arms and improving security across the region.
(Editor: Roluke Ogundele)
