Troops intercept heavy ammunition, suspected IED components on Kaduna-Jos Highway

TROOPS of Operation Enduring Peace have 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.

A statement signed by its Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Polycarb Oteh, said the arms and ammunition were intercepted on Thursday near the Boys Science Secondary School along the Manchok-Jos road.

It added that a navy-blue Opel Wagon commercial vehicle, with registration number NSR 154 TA KANO, was travelling with seven passengers on board. Upon flagging down the vehicle, troops conducted a comprehensive search, which led to the discovery of a lethal cache of ammunition concealed within it.

According to the statement, 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.

It stated that the search yielded a collection of disused Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) handsets, which technical experts frequently identify as key components used in the construction of remotely detonated Improvised Explosive Devices.

ALSO READ: VIDEO: I took over leadership from myself; the late Buhari is me — Tinubu

“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. He also 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,” the statement said.

It added that the 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.