By HAMZA SULEIMAN

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recovered a large cache of high-calibre 12.7mm ammunition in the Bulumkutu Railway general area of Maiduguri.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the recovery followed sustained, intelligence-led security operations and follow-up actions after recent cordon-and-search activities aimed at denying criminal and terrorist elements freedom of action.

Confirming the development, the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, said the discovery was made at about 3:00 p.m. on Friday after troops received a distress call from members of the public who noticed suspicious metallic objects inside a drainage channel in the area.

“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams, immediately mobilised to the location to secure the environment and assess the situation,” Uba said.

He disclosed that a thorough search of the drainage channel 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.

According to him, preliminary measures were taken to secure the site, while efforts were ongoing to drain water from the channel to determine whether additional dangerous items were hidden in the area.

“Troops, working with the police and other security agencies, have continued to dominate the general area to ensure the safety of residents, protect critical infrastructure and prevent any attempt by criminal or terrorist elements to recover the items,” he said.

Uba added that no casualties or unusual incidents were recorded during the operation, noting that the general security situation in the area remained calm, though vigilance was being maintained due to the unpredictable nature of the threat to the environment.

He said the successful recovery underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations, sustained military pressure and community cooperation, particularly in the wake of recent operations in which several suspected suicide bombers were neutralised or arrested.

The OPHK spokesman urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious items or movements to security agencies, stressing that collective responsibility remained key to sustaining peace and security in the North-East. (NAN)