Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman and recovered a large consignment of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited items allegedly destined for terrorist elements operating in the Lake Chad Islands.
The operation was carried out on Thursday, July 9, during an intelligence-led search operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno highway. According to the military, the suspect was intercepted while travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspect, identified as Mrs. Rachael Samuel, a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad, was allegedly transporting the prohibited items to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known for terrorist activities.
Items recovered from her include 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, personal effects and cash.
The military said the suspect is in custody, while the recovered items have been secured pending handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution.
Operation HADIN KAI said the interception represents another major step in disrupting the logistical networks that support terrorist operations in the North-East.
According to the military, intelligence has consistently shown that terrorist groups rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent attacks. It noted that intercepting the consignment before it reached its destination had disrupted a critical aspect of the terrorists’ supply chain.
The Theatre Command commended the vigilance and professionalism of the troops and reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations against terrorists and their collaborators. It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.
