Crime
JOINT TASK FORCE TROOPS DISRUPT MAJOR DRUG NETWORK SUPPLYING BOKO HARAM IN NORTH EAST
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI have disrupted a significant illicit drug supply network allegedly used to sustain Boko Haram terrorist elements. The operation, conducted under Operation DESERT SANITY V, led to the arrest of a 65-year-old suspected drug dealer and the seizure of a large quantity of cannabis sativa.
In a statement, the Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, detailed the operation. Acting on credible intelligence on 23 January 2026, troops apprehended the suspect, Hauwa Abulazeez, in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. She is alleged to be a key supplier of cannabis sativa to terrorists operating in several areas and a principal conduit for distribution across communities within the Theatre.
Preliminary investigations indicate the suspect sourced the illicit substance from Sarti Baruwa LGA in Taraba State, transporting it via established supply routes. During the operation, troops recovered 14 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, with an estimated total weight of 30 kilograms. Lieutenant Colonel Uba stated that this interception represents a significant blow to logistics intended to sustain illicit activities. The suspect is in custody for preliminary investigation, with follow-up actions ongoing to dismantle the wider trafficking network.
Uba emphasized that the interception underscores the critical impact of denying illicit supply chains that fuel violence and instability. By disrupting these networks, the operation contributes to improved security, reduced criminal influence, and the reinforcement of lawful authority in the region.
The officer reiterated the force’s resolve, stating that OPHK remains unwavering in confronting all forms of criminality. Through sustained intelligence-driven operations, troops will persist in denying criminal networks the space and resources to operate until enduring peace is achieved. Sani Uba confirmed that Operation HADIN KAI will maintain continuous pressure across the Theatre.
A 30-year-old pregnant woman is currently receiving medical treatment after she was allegedly raped and assaulted by a 24-year-old suspect, identified as Ugwu Desmond, in Affa community, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
According to the Enugu State Police Command, the incident occurred on the night of March 14, 2026, when the victim was returning home from a neighbour’s house along a quiet path in Amokwo-Affa.
Police said the suspect, armed with a cutlass, reportedly trailed the victim before attacking her from behind. He allegedly forced her to the ground, attempted to strangle her, and covered her mouth to prevent her from raising alarm. The assailant then dragged her into an uncompleted building where he threatened to kill her before raping her and inflicting injuries.
The victim reportedly managed to survive the ordeal and reported the incident to authorities around 6:15 a.m. the following day, prompting swift action by operatives of the Affa Police Division, who arrested the suspect.
The police said the victim was immediately taken to hospital for treatment, while investigators processed the scene and recovered key exhibits, including the cutlass used in the attack and clothing suspected to contain blood and seminal stains.
The Command’s spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the development, adding that the suspect has confessed to the crime.
Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, described the incident as disturbing and assured that a thorough investigation is ongoing. He stated that the suspect would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Giwa also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly, stressing that community awareness is critical to preventing crime.
A Nigerian national, James Junior Aliyu, has been sentenced to 90 months (seven and a half years) in prison in the United States for his involvement in a large-scale wire fraud and money laundering scheme.
According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Aliyu played a key role in a transnational cybercrime network that targeted business email systems and defrauded individuals and organisations of millions of dollars.
Investigations revealed that the fraud scheme involved hacking into corporate email accounts and using them to divert funds through fraudulent transactions. Authorities said the operation affected multiple victims and formed part of a broader business email compromise (BEC) conspiracy.
Aliyu was arrested in South Africa in 2022 following an international investigation involving Interpol and local law enforcement before being extradited to the United States to face trial.
The 30-year-old later pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. As part of the sentence, the court ordered him to forfeit $1.2 million and pay $2.4 million in restitution to victims.
Authorities also confirmed that Aliyu will be deported after completing his prison term.
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected gunrunner, Kelvin Ebikeniye Dugo, in Cross River State, intercepting a cache of 850 rounds of live ammunition.
The arrest, which took place on March 16 at Ivara Esu Estate in Odukpani Local Government Area, followed credible intelligence on the suspect’s alleged plan to acquire the ammunition.
Security sources said Dugo was apprehended shortly after receiving the consignment, which had been concealed inside food items. The ammunition was reportedly supplied by another suspected gunrunner, Azenda Barnabas, also known as Jagaban, based in Aliade, Benue State.
Items recovered during the operation included 850 rounds of live ammunition and two empty AK-47 magazines.
The sources noted that the DSS has stepped up operations nationwide in a bid to dismantle gunrunning networks and curb the proliferation of illegal arms.
They added that the latest arrest underscores the agency’s ongoing commitment to tracking down and prosecuting individuals involved in arms trafficking across the country.