Troops Recover Large Cache of 12.7mm Ammunition War Heads as Sustained Security Operations Continue

Maiduguri, Borno State | January 3, 2026

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have uncovered a significant cache of high-calibre ammunition in the Bulumkutu Railway general area of Maiduguri, Borno State, as sustained security operations continue across the North East.

The discovery was made following sustained troop presence and follow-up actions after a recent cordon-and-search operation carried out on the basis of actionable intelligence. The operation comes amid intensified efforts that have led to the neutralisation and capture of multiple suicide bombers within the past week.

In a statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, troops responded to a distress call at about 3:00 p.m. on January 2, 2026. The call reported the presence of suspicious metallic objects concealed inside a drainage channel in the Bulumkutu Railway area.

Upon swift response and search of the location, troops recovered a total of 1,270 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition warheads, including some live 12.7mm rounds, along with power banks hidden within the drainage.

Lieutenant Colonel Uba confirmed that no casualties or unusual incidents were recorded during the operation. He added that the general security situation in the area remains calm, while troops continue to maintain heightened vigilance due to the unpredictable nature of the threat environment.

Headquarters, Operation HADIN KAI, has once again urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious items, movements, or activities to security agencies. According to the statement, collective responsibility and timely information sharing remain critical to sustaining peace and security in the North East.