Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have intercepted a significant cache of ammunition and suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components along the Manchok–Jos highway in Kaduna State. The military described the seizure as a major disruption to a logistics channel used by terrorist elements operating within the region.
Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, disclosed the development in a statement released to journalists on Friday in Jos. The operation resulted in the arrest of seven suspects and the seizure of a vehicle used to transport the materials.
Precision operation at Manchok
The statement characterised the interception as a breakthrough for internal security that dealt a substantial blow to the logistics network of terrorist elements. The troops, stationed at Manchok and supported by a Special Forces tactical team, conducted a precision stop-and-search operation to secure the high-capacity shipment.
The interception occurred at approximately 11:45 am on Thursday near the Boys Science Secondary School on the Manchok–Jos road. Military personnel stopped a navy-blue Opel Wagon commercial vehicle carrying seven passengers and conducted a comprehensive search of the vehicle.
Recovery of high-velocity weaponry
Recovered items included 569 rounds of 12.7mm anti-aircraft ammunition, several high-velocity warheads, and 189 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition. Troops also seized disused mobile handsets suspected of being components for remotely detonated IEDs.
Khalifa Bawa, the driver of the vehicle, claimed the items were part of a waybill consignment from an unidentified sender but was unable to provide credible details. The vehicle, the recovered materials, and all occupants are currently in custody for further investigation and potential prosecution.
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