Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have recovered a large cache of high caliber 12.7mm ammunition in Maiduguri, Borno State, in a development security authorities describe as a major boost to ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the North East.
The recovery took place in the Bulumkutu Railway area of the state capital during an intelligence driven cordon and search operation aimed at restricting the movement of terrorists and criminal networks. The Nigerian Army disclosed the operation in a statement released on Saturday.
According to the statement, the ammunition was discovered on Friday afternoon after residents in the area alerted security forces to suspicious metallic objects sighted inside a drainage channel. Troops promptly responded to the report and secured the location.
The Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said troops arrived at the scene around 3:00 p.m. alongside police Explosive Ordnance Disposal units to assess and contain the situation. A thorough search of the drainage led to the recovery of 1,270 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, including live rounds, as well as power banks concealed within the channel.
Uba explained that preliminary safety measures were immediately taken, while efforts were ongoing to drain the water in the drainage system to determine whether additional dangerous items had been hidden in the area.
He added that troops, working with the police and other security agencies, have maintained a strong presence around the location to safeguard residents, protect critical infrastructure, and prevent any attempt by terrorists or criminals to retrieve the recovered items.
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The operation, according to the army, was carried out without casualties or any breach of public safety, and the general security situation in the area remains stable. However, security forces have continued heightened vigilance due to the volatile nature of threats in the region.
The army spokesman said the successful operation underscores the impact of intelligence led security measures, sustained military pressure, and the growing cooperation between security agencies and local communities, especially following recent operations that led to the arrest or neutralization of suspected suicide bombers.
Residents were urged to remain alert and promptly report suspicious movements or objects to security agencies, as community cooperation remains critical to sustaining peace and security across Borno State and the wider North East.
