Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have intercepted a suspected foreign drug courier and recovered a large consignment of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited substances allegedly destined for terrorist groups operating in the Lake Chad Islands.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of logistics intended for terrorist elements.
According to the statement, troops conducting intensive search operations along the Maiduguri–Monguno highway intercepted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspect, identified as Mrs. Rachael Samuel, 48, a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad, was arrested while transporting the prohibited items. Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was intended for delivery to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist groups.
Recovered exhibits included seven compressed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, popularly known as “Suck and Die,” one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin, 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages, a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, cash and other personal effects.
Military authorities said the seized items have an estimated market value running into millions of naira. The suspect is currently in military custody, while the recovered exhibits will be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution.
Operation HADIN KAI noted that the interception represents another major setback to terrorist logistics networks, stressing that intelligence has consistently shown that extremist groups rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent operations.
The Theatre Command commended the vigilance and professionalism of the troops, reaffirming its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and their collaborators across the North East.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the region.
