From HASSAN JIRGI Maiduguri
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, OPHK, have confirmed the recovery of a cache of high-calibre ammunition in Bulumkutu Railway general area of Maiduguri town in Borno State.
This reinforces the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven security operations across the North-East theatre.
According to the statement, 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.
A statement issued by the media information officer, OPHK, Lieutenant-Colonel Sani Uba, on Saturday, which was made available to journalists in Maiduguri, said at about 3pm on Friday, January 2, troops of OPHK received a distress call reporting the discovery of suspicious metallic objects concealed within a drainage channel in Bulumkutu Railway area.
He said troops, alongside a Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal, EOD, team, immediately mobilised to the location to secure the environment and assess the threat.
According to him, thorough search of the area led to the recovery of 1,270 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition warheads, including live 12.7mm rounds, as well as power banks concealed inside the drainage channel.
The statement added that preliminary safety measures were promptly taken to secure the site, while efforts are ongoing to drain the channel to determine the presence of additional dangerous items.
He said in collaboration with the police and other security agencies, troops 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 retrieve the recovered items.
