Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have recovered a significant cache of high-calibre 12.7mm ammunition in the Bulumkutu Railway general area of Maiduguri, Borno State.
The Theatre Command Spokesman, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, describing the recovery as a testament to the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven security operations across the North-East theatre.
According to the statement, the discovery followed sustained troop presence and follow-up actions after a recent cordon-and-search operation, which was conducted based on actionable intelligence aimed at denying criminal and terrorist elements freedom of movement—particularly in light of recent suicide bombing threats in the area.
“The recovery followed sustained presence and follow-up actions after a recent cordon-and-search operation conducted on actionable intelligence, especially after multiple suicide bombers were neutralised or apprehended within the last week,” the statement said.
Lt. Col. Uba explained that at about 3:00 p.m. on January 2, 2026, troops received a distress call reporting the sighting of suspicious metallic objects concealed inside a drainage channel in the Bulumkutu Railway area.
“Troops, alongside Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, immediately mobilised to the location to assess the situation and secure the environment,” he said.
A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of 1,270 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition warheads, several live 12.7mm rounds, and power banks, all concealed within the drainage system.
Lt. Col. Uba said preliminary measures have been taken to secure the site, while efforts are ongoing to drain water from the channel to determine whether additional hazardous items may be present.
He added that troops, in collaboration with the police and other security agencies, continue to dominate the area to ensure the safety of residents, protect critical infrastructure, and prevent any attempt by criminal or terrorist elements to retrieve the recovered items.
“No casualties or unusual incidents were recorded during the operation,” the statement noted, adding that while the general security situation in the area remains calm, troops are maintaining heightened vigilance given the unpredictable nature of the threat environment.
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