SAA event in Maiduguri area, Nigeria on Fri 2nd January 2026

PRESS RELEASE

TROOPS RECOVER LARGE CACHE OF 12.7mm AMMUNITION WARHEADS IN SUSTAINED OPERATIONS

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have uncovered a large cache of high-calibre ammunition in the Bulumkutu Railway general area, further reinforcing the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven security operations across the North-East theatre.

The recovery followed sustained troops  presence and follow-up actions after a recent cordon-and-search operation, based on actionable intelligence aimed at denying criminal and terrorist elements freedom of action, particularly in the aftermath of multiple suicide bombers neutralised or apprehended within the past week.

At about 3:00 p.m. on 2 January 2026, troops of  OPHK  received a distress call reporting the discovery of suspicious metallic objects concealed within a drainage channel in the Bulumkutu Railway area. Troops, alongside Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, immediately mobilised to the location to secure the environment and assess the threat.

A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of 1,270 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition warheads, including some live 12.7mm rounds, as well as power banks concealed inside the drainage channel.

Preliminary safety measures were promptly taken to secure the site, while efforts are ongoing to drain the channel to determine the presence of any additional dangerous items. Troops, in collaboration with the Police and other security agencies, continue to dominate the general 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 untoward incidents were recorded during the operation. The general security situation in the area remains calm, with troops maintaining heightened vigilance in view of the dynamic threat environment.

The successful recovery underscores the importance of intelligence-led operations, sustained military pressure, and community cooperation in preventing potential threats. It also highlights the critical role of timely information from members of the public in enhancing collective security.

Headquarters Operation HADIN KAI once again urges residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious items or movements to security agencies, as collective responsibility remains vital to sustaining peace and security in the North-East.

 SANI UBA
Lieutenant Colonel
Media Information Officer
Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East)
Operation HADIN KAI
3 January, 2026