Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
TROOPS of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recovered a large cache of high-calibre ammunition in the Bulumkutu Railway area of Maiduguri, in a major boost to ongoing intelligence-driven security operations across the North-East.
The discovery followed sustained troop presence and follow-up actions after a recent cordon-and-search operation, based on actionable intelligence aimed at denying criminal and terrorist elements freedom of movement.
The operation comes in the wake of multiple suicide bombers being neutralised or apprehended in the region within the past week.
According to the military, troops received a distress call at about 3:00 pm on 2 January 2026, reporting the discovery of suspicious metallic objects concealed inside a drainage channel in the Bulumkutu Railway general area.
Troops, in collaboration with Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, immediately moved to the scene to secure the environment and assess the level of threat.
A comprehensive search of the area led to the recovery of 1,270 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition warheads, including several live 12.7mm rounds, as well as power banks concealed within the drainage channel.
Preliminary safety measures were swiftly implemented to secure the site, while efforts are ongoing to drain the channel to ascertain whether additional dangerous items are hidden in the area.
Troops, working alongside the Police and other security agencies, continue to dominate the general vicinity to protect residents, safeguard critical infrastructure and prevent any attempt by criminal or terrorist elements to retrieve the recovered items.
No casualties or untoward incidents were recorded during the operation, and the overall security situation in the area remains calm, with troops maintaining heightened vigilance due to the prevailing threat environment.
The military said the successful recovery underscores the importance of intelligence-led operations, sustained military pressure and community cooperation in preventing security breaches.
Residents have once again been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious items or movements to security agencies, as collective responsibility remains key to sustaining peace and security in the North-East.
The statement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, and dated 3 January 2026.
