From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recovered a large cache of high-calibre ammunition in the Bulumkutu Railway general area of Maiduguri, Borno State, during an intelligence-driven security operation.
The recovery was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja to Triumph by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba.
According to the statement, the operation followed sustained troop presence and follow-up actions after a recent cordon-and-search exercise based on actionable intelligence aimed at denying terrorists and criminal elements freedom of action.
Uba explained that the operation became necessary in the aftermath of multiple suicide bombers that were either neutralised or apprehended within the past week in the area.
“At about 3:00pm on January 2, 2026, troops of Operation Hadin Kai received a distress call reporting the discovery of suspicious metallic objects concealed inside a drainage channel around the Bulumkutu Railway area,” he said.
He added that troops, alongside Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams, immediately mobilised to the scene to secure the area and assess the level of threat.
“A thorough search led to the recovery of 1,270 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition warheads, including some live 12.7mm rounds, as well as power banks concealed within the drainage channel,” the statement read.
The military said preliminary safety measures were taken to secure the location, while efforts were ongoing to drain the channel to determine whether additional dangerous items were hidden in the area.
Uba noted that troops, working with the police and other security agencies, had continued to dominate the general area to ensure the safety of residents, protect critical infrastructure and prevent any attempt by terrorists or criminals to retrieve the recovered items.
He added that no casualties were recorded during the operation, stressing that the security situation in the area remained calm, with troops maintaining heightened vigilance due to the evolving threat environment.
The Army said the successful recovery underscored the importance of intelligence-led operations, sustained military pressure and community cooperation in preventing security threats.
The statement also urged residents of the North-East to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious items or movements to security agencies, noting that collective responsibility remained vital to sustaining peace and security in the region.