Soldiers intercept large cache of ammunition, explosives on Kaduna-Jos road

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have intercepted a large cache of ammunition and suspected improvised explosive device (IED) components along the Kaduna-Jos road.

The operation was carried out on Thursday at about 11:45am near Boys Science Secondary School on the Manchok-Jos axis in Kaduna state.

The troops, supported by a special forces tactical team, conducted a stop-and-search operation on a commercial vehicle.

The vehicle, a navy-blue Opel wagon with registration number NSR 154 TA Kano, was conveying seven passengers.

The army said a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of concealed ammunition. Items recovered include 569 rounds of 12.7mm anti-aircraft ammunition and several high-velocity warheads.

The troops also recovered 189 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition. Other items include disused Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) handsets suspected to be components for remotely detonated IEDs.

The driver, identified as Khalifa Bawa, denied ownership of the items, adding that the consignment was a “waybill” handed over by an unidentified individual. Bawa also claimed he had no details of the sender or intended recipient.

The Army said all occupants of the vehicle have been taken into custody, while the suspects, vehicle and recovered items are undergoing further investigation.

The troops said efforts are ongoing to trace the origin of the shipment and identify those behind it.