Troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have intercepted a major consignment of logistics supplies believed to be intended for terrorists operating in the region.
The operation, carried out under Operation DESERT SANITY IV, took place on September 16 during snap checks along the Nguru–Gashua road in Yobe State.
In a statement on Friday, OPHK spokesperson Lt.-Col. Sani Uba said troops intercepted a red 14-tyre trailer around 7:40 a.m. The vehicle was later moved to a secure location for inspection, where troops discovered 700 bags of NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer, 27 cartons of assorted drugs, and nine cartons of saline solution, concealed beneath bundles of fabric.
The fertilizer, commonly used in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), raised suspicions that the items were part of a cross-border terrorist supply chain destined for Niger Republic.
Uba added that troops also intercepted two Toyota Sharon vehicles and another trailer carrying fabrics and solar panels, allegedly intended for the production of uniforms and other equipment for terrorist groups.
All drivers, vehicle assistants, and seized items are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend those behind the shipments.
Theatre Commander Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar commended the troops for their vigilance and assured that operations to disrupt terrorist logistics networks will continue. He also urged the public to provide timely intelligence to support security operations in the region.