Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have intercepted a large cache of ammunition and suspected explosive device components along the Kaduna-Jos highway, in what security authorities described as a major blow to terrorist supply networks.
The military said the interception took place at about 11:45am on Thursday, April 16, 2026, near Boys Science Secondary School on the Manchok-Jos road in Kaduna State.
According to a statement signed by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, troops stationed at Manchok, with support from a Special Forces Tactical Team, stopped and searched a navy-blue Opel Wagon commercial vehicle with registration number NSR 154 TA KANO.
The vehicle, which was carrying seven passengers, was found to contain 569 rounds of 12.7mm anti-aircraft ammunition, several high-velocity warheads, and 189 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition, the statement said.
Troops also recovered disused GSM handsets, which security experts have identified as items commonly associated with the construction of remotely detonated improvised explosive devices.
The driver, identified as Khalifa Bawa, reportedly told troops during initial interrogation that the items were a waybill consignment. He allegedly claimed that the shipment was handed to him by an unidentified source and said he had no contact details or information about either the sender or the intended recipient.
Military authorities said all occupants of the vehicle, along with the seized items and the vehicle itself, are now in custody for further investigation.
The task force said efforts are under way to trace the source of the shipment and uncover the wider network linked to the attempted movement of the arms and explosive materials across state lines.
