Troops intercept ammunition cache on Maiduguri–Kaduna highway

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intercepted a cache of ammunition concealed in a commercial vehicle along the Maiduguri–Kaduna highway.

The discovery was made at a checkpoint in Nafada, Gombe State, after the vehicle’s driver raised suspicion over a waybill package he was asked to deliver from Maiduguri to Kaduna.

On inspection, troops found the bag contained a large quantity of ammunition. Preliminary findings linked the consignment to a soldier allegedly serving with Sector 2 in Damaturu, Yobe State, prompting military authorities to launch a manhunt for the suspect.

Security officials described the interception as a significant breakthrough in efforts to disrupt the flow of arms fueling insecurity across the North-East and North-West.

“This is a disturbing development, particularly because of the alleged involvement of a personnel.

“The case is already under investigation to identify all those connected to it,” one source said.

Analysts warn that the Maiduguri–Kaduna corridor, a key trafficking route, remains vulnerable to exploitation by arms smugglers unless stricter checks and monitoring measures are enforced.