Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE intercepted a major shipment of weapons and explosive components along the Manchok-Jos road in Kaduna State. The operation took place near Boys Science Secondary School during a precision stop-and-search. The action is being described as a significant disruption to the logistics network of terrorists in the Joint Operations Area.

The troops, deployed at Manchok and backed by a Special Forces Tactical Team, flagged down a navy-blue Opel Wagon commercial vehicle with registration NSR 154 TA KANO. The vehicle had 7 passengers on board. A comprehensive search uncovered a large cache of ammunition and suspected IED components hidden inside.

Troops recovered 569 rounds of 12.7mm Anti-Aircraft ammunition, several high-velocity warheads, and 189 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition. They also found multiple disused GSM handsets, which technical experts noted are often used as components for remotely detonated Improvised Explosive Devices.

During on-site questioning, the driver, Khalifa Bawa, claimed the items were a waybill consignment from an anonymous source. He said he had no contact details or identifying information for either the sender or the intended recipient of the lethal hardware.

All seven occupants, including the driver, are now in custody, including the vehicle and seized items. Troops have begun forensic analysis and a detailed investigation to trace the shipment’s origin and identify the wider network involved in moving war materiel across state lines.