Christiana Gokyon, Jos
Operation Enduring Peace in Plateau State has cracked down on terrorism, as troops intercepted a large cache of ammunition and explosive components along the Kaduna, Jos highway.
This was contained in a statement signed by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer of Operation Enduring Peace, and issued to newsmen in Jos.
In a significant breakthrough for internal security, vigilant troops of Operation Enduring Peace have dealt a major blow to the logistics network of terrorist elements operating within their Joint Operations Area.
According to the statement, troops deployed at Manchok, reinforced by a 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.
The statement noted that the incident occurred at about 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, 16 April 2026, near the Boys Science Secondary School along the Manchok–Jos road.
A navy-blue Opel Wagon commercial vehicle, bearing registration number NSR 154 TA (Kano), was conveying seven passengers.
Upon flagging down the vehicle, troops conducted a thorough search, which led to the discovery of a lethal cache of ammunition concealed inside.
Items recovered 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 uncovered a number of disused Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) handsets, which technical experts have identified as key components commonly used in the construction of remotely detonated Improvised Explosive Devices.
During initial on-site interrogation, the driver, identified as Mr. Khalifa Bawa, attempted to distance himself from the contraband, claiming that the items were a “waybill” consignment.
He alleged that the items were handed over by an unidentified individual and stated that he had no contact information or identifying details for either the sender or the intended recipient.
All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, along with the seized vehicle and recovered items, are currently in custody for further forensic analysis and detailed investigation.
Troops are working to trace the origin of the shipment and identify the wider network involved in the attempted movement of war materiel across state lines.
