By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recovered a large cache of high-calibre ammunition in the Bulumkutu Railway area of Maiduguri, Borno State, in a sustained intelligence-driven security operation.
The recovery followed continued troop presence and follow-up actions after a recent cordon-and-search exercise aimed at denying criminal and terrorist elements freedom of movement in the North-East, particularly in the wake of recent suicide bombing incidents.
According to the military, troops received a distress call reporting the discovery of suspicious metallic objects concealed inside a drainage channel in the Bulumkutu Railway general area. Soldiers, in collaboration with Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel, were immediately deployed to secure the location and assess the threat.
A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of 1,270 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition warheads, including several live rounds, as well as power banks hidden inside the drainage channel.
Preliminary safety measures were taken to secure the site, while efforts are ongoing to drain the channel to determine whether additional dangerous items are present.
Troops, alongside other security agencies, continue to maintain dominance of the area to ensure public safety, protect critical infrastructure and prevent attempts by criminal elements to retrieve the recovered items.
The military said no casualties were recorded during the operation and that the security situation in the area remains calm, with troops maintaining heightened vigilance.
Operation HADIN KAI noted that the recovery highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, sustained military pressure and cooperation between security agencies and local communities.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious items or movements to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to sustain peace and security in the region.
The disclosure was contained in a statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.
