MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have intercepted a suspected foreign drug courier and recovered a large cache of illicit substances allegedly destined for terrorist elements operating in the Lake Chad Islands.
The operation, carried out by troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, followed actionable intelligence and was executed along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis in Borno State.
Details of the operation were contained in a statement issued by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI.
According to the statement, the suspect, identified as Mrs Rachael Samuel, 48, a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, was apprehended while transporting the prohibited items towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area.
Items recovered from the suspect include seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, locally known as “Suck and Die,” as well as a carton of 48 bottles of dry gin and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages.
Other exhibits recovered include a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, personal belongings and cash, with the total value of the items estimated to run into millions of naira.
“The recovered substances were believed to be destined for terrorist elements operating within the Lake Chad Islands,” the statement said.
The suspect is currently in military custody, while the recovered items have been secured pending handover to relevant law enforcement agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
The military said the interception underscores ongoing efforts to dismantle the logistics and supply chains sustaining terrorist operations in the North East.
“Illicit drugs and intoxicants are frequently used by terrorist groups to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent the statement added.88
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, assuring that operations against terrorists and their collaborators would continue.
It also urged members of the public to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in the region.
