By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Army troops 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 the Army Headquarters confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) 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 said that preliminary checks showed that the consignment, approved for delivery to Mbalala ward in Chibok LGA, was instead diverted through Bama en route Askira-Uba, raising suspicions of 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 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)

Update news