Army intercepts 242 bags of fertiliser bound 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 the production of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorists in Borno.
A credible source at Army Headquarters confirmed the development to journalists on Friday in Abuja.
The source said the operation underscored the army’s vigilance in cutting off critical logistics to insurgents.
According to him, troops of 151 Task Force Battalion at Banki Junction in Bama Local Government Area (LGA) intercepted a truck conveying 142 bags of NPK 20-10-10 fertiliser on Wednesday.
He stated that preliminary checks revealed that the consignment, approved for delivery to Mbalala ward in Chibok LGA, was instead diverted through Bama en route to Askira-Uba, raising suspicions of a terrorist linkage.
“In a related development, troops of 21 Military Intelligence Regiment in collaboration with 21 Provost Company intercepted another truck loaded with 100 bags of NPK 20-10-10 fertiliser, 79 bags of maize and 21 bags of rice at Banki.
“The fertiliser was not reflected in the waybill presented, and the driver claimed he had no knowledge of the consignment, only that he was paid to deliver it in Banki town.
“The suspects and items are in custody for further investigation,” he said.
The source added that fertiliser diversion remained a major threat to national security as insurgents use it in fabricating IEDs.
He said the Nigerian army would continue to block all supply chains exploited by terrorists and their collaborators.
He also urged transporters, merchants and locals to be vigilant and desist from aiding the criminal networks.
According to him, troops in the theatre also discovered and detonated two IEDs planted along Mafa–Ajiri road in Mafa LGA, while repelling coordinated ISWAP/JAS attacks on military piquets in Bama on Thursday.
The source added that three civilians were injured in the attack and evacuated to the hospital in Banki for treatment.
He reaffirmed that the army, in synergy with sister services and security agencies, would sustain operations to protect law-abiding citizens and deny terrorists the ability to regroup or access critical resources.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Tinubu advised me never to negotiate with criminals, Gov Ododo says
“I don’t play with criminals, and I don’t negotiate with them. I can tell you that, as far as Kogi State is concerned, we don’t have a department for ransom payment,” he said.
Heading 1
U.S. has spent $37.5 billion on Iran war: Hegseth
“The estimate we have as of today is $37.5 billion,” Mr Hegseth said.
Lagos
Slain Lagos NURTW organising secretary buried amid tears
Mr Ajiboye died days after he was attacked by gunmen.
Africa
144 refugees, migrants dead, missing off Mauritania coast: UNHCR
“The refugees and migrants were reported dead or missing after attempting the perilous sea journey from West Africa towards Europe,” the agency said.
World
U.S. govt condemns Ortega’s ban on elections in Nicaragua
Mr Rubio urged the international community to rise against Mr Ortega’s dictatorship.
World
Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s top general after firing defence minister
Mr Syrskyi’s dismissal came days after Mr Zelensky fired Ukraine’s defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision that sparked protests across the country.
