Troops Intercept Suspected Foreign Drug Courier, Recover Illicit Consignment Bound for Lake Chad Terrorists

Troops of Sector 3, 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 elements operating in the Lake Chad Islands.

The operation, conducted on Thursday along the Maiduguri-Monguno highway, followed actionable intelligence as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt the logistics networks sustaining terrorist activities in the North-East.

According to the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, 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 transporting the prohibited items.

Military authorities said preliminary investigations indicate that the consignment was intended for locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to serve as a hideout for terrorist groups.

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,” one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin, and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages, with an estimated street value running into millions of naira.

Troops also recovered one mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, personal belongings and an unspecified amount of cash.

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.

The military said the interception underscores Operation HADIN KAI’s resolve to deny terrorists access to logistics and supplies used to sustain their operations.

According to the command, intelligence reports indicate that terrorist groups frequently rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent attacks.

“The successful interception has disrupted another critical aspect of the terrorists’ support network before the items could reach their intended destination,” the statement said.

The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism and reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and their collaborators across the North-East.

It also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the region.