Troops Intercept 569 Rounds of Ammunition, IED Components on Kaduna–Jos Road

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have intercepted a large cache of ammunition and suspected improvised explosive device (IED) components along the Kaduna–Jos highway, in a major security breakthrough aimed at curbing violent attacks in the region.

The operation, carried out at about 11:45am on Thursday, took place near Boys Science Secondary School along the Manchok–Jos axis in Kaduna State. The troops, supported by a special forces tactical team, were conducting a routine stop-and-search when they flagged down a suspicious commercial vehicle.

According to the Nigerian Army, the vehicle—a navy-blue Opel wagon with registration number NSR 154 TA Kano—was conveying seven passengers at the time of interception.

A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of concealed military-grade items, including 569 rounds of 12.7mm anti-aircraft ammunition and several high-velocity warheads. Troops also recovered 189 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition, raising further suspicion about the intended use of the materials.

In addition, security personnel found disused GSM handsets, which are believed to be components commonly adapted for remotely detonated IEDs, pointing to possible links with planned attacks or insurgent activity.

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The driver of the vehicle, identified as Khalifa Bawa, reportedly denied ownership of the recovered items, claiming that the consignment was a “waybill” handed over to him by an unidentified individual. He also stated that he had no knowledge of either the sender or the intended recipient.

All occupants of the vehicle have since been taken into custody for further interrogation, while the vehicle and recovered items remain in military custody as investigations continue.

Military authorities disclosed that efforts are ongoing to trace the origin of the shipment and dismantle the network behind it, noting that such interceptions are critical in preventing potential attacks and disrupting the supply chain of weapons to criminal groups.

The Kaduna–Jos corridor, linking Kaduna and Jos, has remained a strategic but vulnerable route due to recurring security threats, including banditry and insurgent activities.

Security analysts say the interception highlights the increasing use of civilian transport systems for moving illicit arms, as well as the evolving tactics of criminal elements deploying improvised explosive devices.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-driven operations and sustained patrols to secure highways and protect lives, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.

Troops Intercept 569 Rounds of Ammunition, IED Components on Kaduna–Jos Road

Offa Robbery: Kwara Files Fresh 20-Count Charge Against Saraki, Ahmed

The Kwara State Government has filed a 20-count criminal charge against former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and ex-governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, over alleged involvement in the 2018 Offa robbery that claimed dozens of lives.

Also listed as defendants in the suit are Yusuf Abdulwahab, a former Chief of Staff to Ahmed, and Alabi Olalekan, alongside five individuals previously convicted in connection with the deadly attack.

The charges, filed on April 9, 2026, before the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin, allege that the defendants conspired on April 5, 2018, in Offa to execute coordinated attacks on several commercial banks. The affected financial institutions include branches of Guaranty Trust Bank, First Bank of Nigeria, Ecobank, Union Bank, and Zenith Bank, all targeted during the large-scale operation.

According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly provided arms, financial support, and logistics to the robbery gang, an offence punishable under the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act. The government maintains that the charges are based on evidence linking the accused persons to the planning and execution of the attacks.

The Offa robbery remains one of Nigeria’s most brutal criminal incidents in recent years. On April 5, 2018, gunmen launched coordinated assaults on banks and a police station in Offa, Kwara State, killing at least 33 people, including a pregnant woman and 12 police officers, sparking nationwide outrage.

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In September 2024, a Kwara State High Court convicted five suspects—Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salahudeen Azeez, and Niyi Ogundiran—for armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, and culpable homicide. Their convictions and sentences were upheld by the Court of Appeal in January 2026, reinforcing earlier judicial findings in the case.

Following the 2018 incident, the Nigeria Police invited Saraki for questioning after allegations that the gang leader, Akinnibosun, linked members of the robbery gang to him as political associates. Authorities also claimed that the gang received vehicles and financial support through Abdulwahab.

However, during court proceedings in March 2019, Akinnibosun alleged that Abba Kyari, then a Deputy Commissioner of Police, pressured him and others to implicate Saraki and coerced confessional statements. This development introduced controversy into the case and raised questions about the credibility of earlier testimonies.

Saraki has consistently denied any involvement, describing the allegations as false, politically motivated, and lacking credible evidence. Ahmed and the other defendants are also expected to challenge the charges as the case proceeds in court.

The fresh legal action sets the stage for a high-profile trial that could reignite debate over political accountability, criminal justice, and the integrity of investigations in Nigeria. Observers say the outcome will depend largely on the prosecution’s ability to establish a clear and direct link between the accused and the convicted robbers.

Offa Robbery: Kwara Files Fresh 20-Count Charge Against Saraki, Ahmed

US-Based Nigerian Doctor Dies During Free Medical Outreach in Nigeria

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of U.S.-based Nigerian physician, Dr. Uzoma Nwaubani, who passed away while participating in a free medical outreach in Abia State.

In a condolence message personally signed and released in Umuahia, the governor described the late doctor as a committed, compassionate, and selfless professional who died in the line of humanitarian service.

The outreach programme, organised by the Abia State Government in partnership with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), was a five-day free healthcare initiative held from April 13 to April 17, targeting underserved communities across the state.

According to Otti, Dr. Nwaubani, a respected obstetrician and gynaecologist, travelled from the United States alongside her husband and daughter—who is a final-year medical student—to render free medical services to residents.

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During the outreach, she reportedly suffered a sudden medical emergency and was rushed to a hospital for urgent care. The governor revealed that both ANPA members and local medical professionals worked intensively in a coordinated effort to save her life.

“Despite the gallant efforts of the highly skilled medical team to resuscitate her, she could not make it,” Otti said.

The governor extended his heartfelt condolences to her family, colleagues, and ANPA leadership, noting that the Abia State Government has already made contact with them and will provide the necessary support during the mourning period.

He further commended the resilience of ANPA and the late doctor’s family for allowing the outreach programme to continue despite the tragic loss, ensuring that many residents still benefited from the humanitarian medical mission.

Describing her death as a huge loss to Nigeria’s healthcare sector and the diaspora community, Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Abia State and safeguarding the well-being of both citizens and visiting professionals.

He also prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and strength for her loved ones in this difficult time.

US-Based Nigerian Doctor Dies During Free Medical Outreach in Nigeria