Troops of the Nigerian Army have intercepted 242 bags of NPK fertiliser in Borno State, suspected to have been diverted for use in producing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorists. The operation, confirmed by Army Headquarters, highlights ongoing efforts to block insurgents’ access to critical logistics.
According to reports, troops of the 151 Task Force Battalion in Bama LGA intercepted a truck carrying 142 bags of NPK 20-10-10 fertiliser, originally approved for delivery to Mbalala ward in Chibok, but suspiciously diverted through Bama en route Askira-Uba. Similarly, troops of the 21 Military Intelligence Regiment and 21 Provost Company seized another truck loaded with 100 bags of fertiliser, 79 bags of maize, and 21 bags of rice in Banki, with the fertiliser not listed in the waybill.
The suspects and seized items are currently in custody for investigation. Army sources stressed that fertiliser diversion remains a major threat to national security, as insurgents use it to fabricate IEDs. Meanwhile, troops also discovered and detonated two IEDs along Mafa–Ajiri road and repelled ISWAP/JAS attacks on military piquets in Bama, with three civilians injured and evacuated for treatment.