Crime
PHOTOS: Troops intercept large cache of ammunition and explosive components on Kaduna -Jos Highway, arrest suspects
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have intercepted a large cache of ammunition and explosive components on the Kaduna -Jos Highway, leading to the arrest of multiple suspects.
The operation took place at about 11:45 a.m. on April 16, 2026, when troops deployed at Manchok, near Boys Science Secondary School, stopped a navy blue Opel wagon commercial vehicle.
Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, April 17, said the vehicle, conveying seven passengers, was subjected to a routine stop-and-search during which a large quantity of suspicious items was discovered.
Items recovered include 569 anti-aircraft rounds, a warhead, empty AK-47 shells, components of explosive materials, and some condemned mobile handsets.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the driver, identified as Khalifa Bawa, claimed the items were part of a waybill consignment allegedly received from an unidentified individual, but he could not provide the name or contact details of either the sender or intended recipient.
All occupants of the vehicle were subsequently arrested and taken into custody for further investigation.
“In a significant breakthrough for internal security, vigilant troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have dealt a significant blow to the logistics network of terrorists elements operating within its Joint Operations Area,” the statement read.
“The troops deployed at Manchok and reinforced by its 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.
“This occurred at approximately 11:45am on Thursday, 16 April 2026, near the Boys Science Secondary School along the Manchok-Jos road.
“A navy-blue Opel Wagon commercial vehicle, with registration number plate NSR 154 TA KANO, was traveling with 7 passengers on board.
“Upon flagging down the vehicle, troops conducted a comprehensive search that led to the discovery of a lethal cache of ammunition hidden within the vehicle.
“Recovered items 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 yielded a collection of disused Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) handsets, which technical experts frequently identify as primary components used in the construction of remotely detonated Improvised Explosive Devices.
“During the initial on-site interrogation, the driver, identified as Mr. Khalifa Bawa, attempted to distance himself from the contraband, stating that the lethal hardware was a “waybill” consignment.
“Bawa alleged that the items were handed over by an anonymous source and claimed he had no contact information or identifying details for either the sender at the point of origin or the intended recipient at the destination.
“Accordingly, all occupants of the Opel Wagon including the suspect along with the seized vehicle and items are currently in custody for more rigorous forensic analysis and detailed investigation.
“Troops are working to trace the origin of the shipment and identify the wider network involved in this attempted transit of war materiel across state lines.”
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Crime
PHOTOS: N10 billion Cocaine, Loud, opioids intercepted at Lagos ports as NDLEA arrests kingpins
A 55-year-old businessman, Onuigbo Ndubisi Chinedu, who deals in clothing at the popular Balogun market, Lagos Island, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over an attempt to export 3.30 kilograms of cocaine concealed in the walls of cartons used to package foodstuffs going to the United Kingdom.
According to Femi Babafemi, spokesperson of the agency, Onuigbo was arrested on Thursday, 23rd July 2026, following the interception of his cocaine consignment at the export shed of the Lagos airport the previous day, Wednesday 22nd July by NDLEA operatives.
NDLEA arrests Lagos businessman, others over N10 billion cocaine trafficking; intercepts consignment of tramadol buried in containers of black soap
Babafemi said in the course of investigation, three cargo agents identified as Nkwor Onyekachukwu Justina; Adeleke Abiola Taoheed; and Ukanwa Grace Pilgrim, who handled the shipment, were initially arrested, leading to the arrest of Kenneth Okakpu who delivered the consignment to the cargo agents for shipment to the UK.
The NDLEA spokesperson said Okakpu’s arrest provided the lead to identifying Onuigbo as the kingpin behind the syndicate and his eventual arrest while attempting to send another consignment of cocaine to the UK.
NDLEA arrests Lagos businessman, others over N10 billion cocaine trafficking; intercepts consignment of tramadol buried in containers of black soap
He mentioned that a 31-year-old entrepreneur, Emmanuella Chukwu-Edo, also involved in illicit drug trafficking, was on Tuesday, 21st July, arrested at her Surulere, Lagos residence by NDLEA operatives following the seizure of her consignment of 2.80kg Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, which arrived from the United States aboard a United Airlines flight on Monday, 20th July.”
NDLEA arrests Lagos businessman, others over N10 billion cocaine trafficking; intercepts consignment of tramadol buried in containers of black soap
In a related development, NDLEA officials seized a consignment of tramadol buried in containers of black soap heading to the UK. The shipment was intercepted by NDLEA operatives at a courier firm in Lagos on Wednesday, 22nd July.
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A man accused of stealing cables was paraded in the Amarata area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The suspect was apprehended in the early hours of Sunday, 26th July, 2026 by a vigilante group at Ompadec, Amarata, while allegedly stealing electrical cables from a home.
According to residents, cable theft has become a recurring problem in the area, leaving them feeling vulnerable.
They expressed relief following his apprehension.
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