Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have recovered a large cache of high-calibre ammunition during sustained security operations in the Bulumkutu Railway area of Maiduguri, Borno State.
The discovery followed continued troop presence and follow-up actions after a recent cordon-and-search operation, driven by actionable intelligence aimed at denying terrorist and criminal elements freedom of movement. The operation comes in the wake of multiple suicide bombers neutralised or apprehended within the past week in the North-East theatre.
According to a statement from the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), at about 3:00 p.m. on January 2, 2026, troops received a distress call reporting suspicious metallic objects concealed inside a drainage channel in the Bulumkutu Railway area.
Troops immediately mobilised to the scene alongside Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams to secure the environment and assess the situation.
A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of 1,270 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition warheads, including some live rounds, as well as power banks hidden inside the drainage channel.
Preliminary safety measures were promptly implemented to secure the site, while efforts are ongoing to drain the channel to determine whether additional dangerous items are present.
Troops, working in collaboration with the Police and other security agencies, continue to dominate the area to safeguard residents, protect 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. Military authorities confirmed that the general security situation in the area remains calm, with troops maintaining heightened vigilance in view of the evolving security environment.
The military noted that the successful recovery highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, sustained military pressure, and strong community cooperation in preventing security threats. It also underscored the importance of timely information from members of the public in enhancing collective security.
Residents have once again been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious items or movements to security agencies, as community support remains critical to sustaining peace and security in the North-East.
