Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recovered a substantial cache of high-calibre ammunition in the Bulumkutu Railway general area, following sustained troop presence and recent cordon-and-search operations conducted across the Northeast theatre.
Media Information Officer, JTF NE Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, disclosed this on Saturday.
TheFact Daily had earlier reported on the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven security operations across the North-East theatre within the past week leading to the neutralization and apprehension of multiple suicide bombers and the identification of the mastermind of these heinous acts, Shariff Umar.
Uba revealed that at about 3p.m. on 2 January 2026, OPHK troops received a distress report on the discovery of suspicious metallic objects concealed inside a drainage channel in the Bulumkutu Railway area. They, in conjunction with Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, promptly deployed to the scene to secure the area and conduct a threat assessment.
A comprehensive search led to the recovery of 1,270 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition warheads, including several live 12.7mm rounds, as well as power banks hidden within the drainage channel.
He added that immediate safety measures were implemented to secure the site, while efforts are ongoing to drain the channel to ascertain whether additional hazardous items are present.
“Troops, working closely with the Police and other security agencies, continue to dominate the area to safeguard residents, protect critical infrastructure, and prevent any attempt by criminal or terrorist elements to retrieve the recovered items”, he said, adding that “no casualties or untoward incidents were recorded during the operation, and that the security situation in the area remains calm, with troops maintaining heightened vigilance in response to the dynamic threat environment.
Uba further noted that the successful recovery highlights the value of intelligence-led operations, sustained military pressure, and strong community cooperation in preventing potential threats. It also underscores the critical importance of timely information from members of the public in enhancing collective security.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious items or movements to security agencies, noting that collective responsibility remains essential to sustaining peace and security in the North-East.
