No fewer than 242 bags of NPK fertiliser suspected to be diverted for use in the production of Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs by terrorists in Borno were intercepted by the Troops of the Nigerian Army.
The source who confirmed the development on Friday in Abuja 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 of Borno State intercepted a truck conveying 142 bags of NPK 20-10-10 fertiliser on Wednesday.
The consignment was said to have been 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.