Troops of Sector 3 under Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have intercepted a suspected foreign drug courier transporting a large quantity of illegal drugs, alcoholic drinks and other prohibited substances believed to be intended for terrorist groups operating within the Lake Chad Islands.
The operation was carried out on Thursday along the Maiduguri–Monguno route, where security personnel stopped a suspicious vehicle heading toward Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Mrs. Rachael Samuel, a citizen of Chad from Kelo in the Chari-Baguirmi Province, was arrested during the operation while allegedly transporting the illegal items.
According to preliminary investigations, the recovered substances were being moved to areas around the Lake Chad Islands, a region known for the presence of terrorist groups.
Among the items seized were seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilograms, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, commonly referred to as “Suck and Die,” one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin, and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages.
Military authorities estimated the value of the recovered items to be worth several millions of naira.
The suspect remains in military custody, while the seized exhibits have been secured and will be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution.
The military stated that the successful interception highlights Operation HADIN KAI’s ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics and cut off supply routes used by insurgent groups in the North-East.
Security officials also noted that intelligence reports have consistently shown that terrorist groups often rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to motivate fighters, reduce fear and aid violent operations. They added that preventing the consignment from reaching its destination dealt another blow to the terrorists’ support network.
The Theatre Command praised the troops for their alertness and professionalism and reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations against terrorists and their collaborators. It also encouraged residents to continue providing useful and timely information to security agencies to strengthen efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the region.
