Army seizes 242 bags of fertiliser diverted for terrorists’ IED production in Borno

Troops of the Nigerian Army have intercepted 242 bags of NPK fertiliser suspected to be diverted for use in manufacturing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorists in Borno State.

A military source in Abuja confirmed the development on Friday, describing it as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt insurgents’ supply chains.

According to the source, troops of 151 Task Force Battalion on Wednesday intercepted a truck carrying 142 bags of fertiliser at Banki Junction in Bama Local Government Area.

The consignment, originally approved for Mbalala ward in Chibok, was diverted through Bama en route Askira-Uba, raising suspicions of terrorist links.

In a separate operation, personnel of 21 Military Intelligence Regiment, working with 21 Provost Company, stopped another truck in Banki with 100 bags of fertiliser, 79 bags of maize, and 21 bags of rice.

The fertiliser was not listed in the waybill, and the driver reportedly claimed ignorance of its origin, saying he was only contracted to deliver the goods. Both the driver and the items are now in custody for investigation.

The source noted that fertiliser diversion remains a major security concern, as insurgents rely on it for IED fabrication.

He urged transporters, merchants, and locals to avoid aiding criminal networks.

Meanwhile, troops on Thursday discovered and safely detonated two IEDs along the Mafa–Ajiri road in Mafa LGA, while also repelling coordinated ISWAP/JAS attacks on military piquets in Bama.

Three civilians were injured during the assault and evacuated to hospital in Banki.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment, alongside sister services and security agencies, to safeguarding citizens, denying terrorists access to critical resources, and sustaining operations across the North-East.