Troops of Sector 3 of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, 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 operation, carried out on Thursday, July 9, followed actionable intelligence during intensified search operations along the Maiduguri–Monguno highway in Borno State.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Acting Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, Capt. Mohammed Goni, and shared on the Nigerian Army’s Facebook page on Friday.
It was gathered that troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of the suspect, identified as Mrs. Rachael Samuel, 48, a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad.
According to the military, preliminary investigations indicate that the recovered items were being transported to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, where terrorist elements are known to operate.
Items recovered during the operation include 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.
The military said the seized items have an estimated street value running into millions of naira.
Troops also recovered a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, cash and other personal effects from the suspect.
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The suspect is currently in military custody, while the recovered exhibits have been secured pending their handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution.
Operation HADIN KAI said the interception represents another major blow to the logistics network sustaining terrorist activities in the North East.
The military noted that intelligence reports have consistently shown that terrorist groups rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and enhance their operational capabilities.
“The successful interception has disrupted another critical component of the terrorists’ supply chain before the consignment could reach its intended destination,” the military said.
The Theatre Command commended the vigilance and professionalism of the troops, reiterating its commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement and access to logistics.
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 across the North East.