RismadarVoice Reporters
January 3, 2026
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recovered a large cache of high calibre 12.7mm ammunition warheads in the Bulumkutu Railway general area of Maiduguri, further strengthening ongoing intelligence driven counter terrorism operations across the North East.
The discovery followed sustained troop presence and follow up actions after recent cordon and search operations, aimed at denying terrorist and criminal elements freedom of movement, particularly in the aftermath of several suicide bombers neutralized or apprehended within the past week.
According to military sources, at about 3:00pm on January 2, 2026, troops of OPHK received a distress report from members of the public, regarding suspicious metallic objects concealed inside a drainage channel in the Bulumkutu Railway area. Troops, working closely with Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams, immediately moved to the location to secure the area, assess potential threats.
A detailed search led to the recovery of 1,270 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition warheads, including some live rounds, alongside power banks, hidden within the drainage channel. Preliminary safety measures were promptly taken to secure the site, while efforts are ongoing to drain the channel to determine whether additional dangerous items are present.
Troops, in collaboration with the Police and other security agencies, continue to dominate the area to ensure the safety of residents, protect critical infrastructure, prevent any attempt by criminal or terrorist elements to retrieve the recovered items.
No casualties or security breaches were recorded during the operation. The general security situation in the area remains calm, with troops maintaining heightened vigilance due to the dynamic nature of the threat environment in the North East.
The recovery highlights the effectiveness of intelligence led operations, sustained military pressure, and strong community cooperation in disrupting terrorist activities and preventing potential attacks. It also underscores the importance of timely information from members of the public in enhancing overall security.
Residents have once again been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious items, movements, or activities to security agencies, as collective responsibility remains critical to sustaining peace and stability in the region.
