Troops of the Nigeria military under Operation HADIN KAI have intercepted a suspected Chadian drug courier and recovered a large consignment of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited substances allegedly being transported to terrorists operating in the Lake Chad Islands.
The successful operation was carried out by troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, during an intelligence-led search operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis on Thursday. The troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle heading 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 conveying the prohibited items. Preliminary investigations by the military indicated that the recovered substances were intended for terrorist elements operating within the Lake Chad Islands.
Recovered items 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, cash and other personal effects. The military said the seized items have an estimated street value running into millions of naira.
The suspect is currently in military custody, while the recovered exhibits have been secured pending handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.
Operation HADIN KAI said the interception represented another major breakthrough in its sustained efforts to dismantle the logistics networks supporting terrorist activities in the North-East.
According to the Theatre Command, intelligence has consistently shown that terrorist groups rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent operations. By intercepting the consignment before it reached its destination, troops disrupted another critical component of the terrorists’ supply chain.
The Theatre Command commended the vigilance, professionalism and resilience of the troops, reaffirming its commitment to sustaining offensive 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 aimed at restoring lasting peace, stability and security across the North-East.
