Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have intercepted a large cache of ammunition and explosive components on the Kaduna -Jos Highway, leading to the arrest of multiple suspects.
The operation took place at about 11:45 a.m. on April 16, 2026, when troops deployed at Manchok, near Boys Science Secondary School, stopped a navy blue Opel wagon commercial vehicle.
Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, April 17, said the vehicle, conveying seven passengers, was subjected to a routine stop-and-search during which a large quantity of suspicious items was discovered.
Items recovered include 569 anti-aircraft rounds, a warhead, empty AK-47 shells, components of explosive materials, and some condemned mobile handsets.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the driver, identified as Khalifa Bawa, claimed the items were part of a waybill consignment allegedly received from an unidentified individual, but he could not provide the name or contact details of either the sender or intended recipient.
All occupants of the vehicle were subsequently arrested and taken into custody for further investigation.
“In a significant breakthrough for internal security, vigilant troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have dealt a significant blow to the logistics network of terrorists elements operating within its Joint Operations Area,” the statement read.
“The troops deployed at Manchok and reinforced by its Special Forces Tactical Team, successfully intercepted a high-capacity shipment of heavy ammunition and suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components during a precision stop-and-search operation in Kaduna State.
“This occurred at approximately 11:45am on Thursday, 16 April 2026, near the Boys Science Secondary School along the Manchok-Jos road.
“A navy-blue Opel Wagon commercial vehicle, with registration number plate NSR 154 TA KANO, was traveling with 7 passengers on board.
“Upon flagging down the vehicle, troops conducted a comprehensive search that led to the discovery of a lethal cache of ammunition hidden within the vehicle.
“Recovered items included 569 rounds of 12.7mm Anti-Aircraft (AA) gun ammunition, several high-velocity warheads, and 189 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition.
“Furthermore, the search also yielded a collection of disused Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) handsets, which technical experts frequently identify as primary components used in the construction of remotely detonated Improvised Explosive Devices.
“During the initial on-site interrogation, the driver, identified as Mr. Khalifa Bawa, attempted to distance himself from the contraband, stating that the lethal hardware was a “waybill” consignment.
“Bawa alleged that the items were handed over by an anonymous source and claimed he had no contact information or identifying details for either the sender at the point of origin or the intended recipient at the destination.
“Accordingly, all occupants of the Opel Wagon including the suspect along with the seized vehicle and items are currently in custody for more rigorous forensic analysis and detailed investigation.
“Troops are working to trace the origin of the shipment and identify the wider network involved in this attempted transit of war materiel across state lines.”
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