Troops of the Joint Task Force under Operation Enduring Peace have intercepted a significant cache of ammunition and suspected improvised explosive device (IED) components during a routine security operation along the Kaduna–Jos Highway.
The interception occurred around 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2026, near Boys Science Secondary School along the Manchok–Jos axis in Kaduna State during a stop-and-search exercise.
According to a statement released by the Task Force, troops stationed in Manchok, with support from a Special Forces Tactical Team, stopped a navy-blue Opel Wagon commercial vehicle with registration number NSR 154 TA (Kano). The vehicle had seven occupants on board.
A detailed search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 569 rounds of 12.7mm anti-aircraft ammunition, several high-velocity warheads, and 189 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition, all reportedly concealed within the vehicle.
Security operatives also recovered several discarded GSM handsets, which are suspected to be materials often used in assembling remotely detonated explosive devices.
The driver, identified as Khalifa Bawa, reportedly told investigators that the consignment was a waybill package and claimed he had no knowledge of the sender or intended recipient.
All seven passengers, along with the recovered items and the vehicle, are currently in custody as investigations continue.
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Authorities say efforts are ongoing to trace the source of the weapons and dismantle any network linked to the attempted movement of the arms.
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