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 within the Lake Chad Islands.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to the statement, the suspect, identified as Mrs Rachael Samuel, 48, a Chadian national from Kelo in the Chari-Baguirmi Province of the Republic of Chad, was arrested during an intelligence-led operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno road.
The military said troops conducting intensive search operations intercepted a suspicious vehicle heading towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, leading to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the prohibited items.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the recovered substances were being transported to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist elements,” the statement said.
Items recovered from the suspect included seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, commonly referred to as “Suck and Die,” one carton containing 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, cash and other personal effects.
The military said the suspect is currently in custody while the recovered items have been secured pending handover to relevant law enforcement agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
Operation HADIN KAI noted that intelligence reports have consistently linked the movement of illicit drugs and intoxicants to terrorist activities in the North-East, stressing that such substances are often used by insurgents to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent operations.
The Theatre Command described the interception as a major disruption of a critical logistics chain supporting terrorist operations in the Lake Chad region.
“The successful interception further highlights Operation HADIN KAI’s determination to deny terrorists access to logistics and supplies that sustain their criminal activities,” the statement added.
The military commended the troops involved in the operation for their vigilance and professionalism and reiterated its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and their collaborators across the North-East theatre.
The latest arrest comes amid intensified military operations targeting insurgent logistics networks, arms traffickers, drug suppliers and other individuals suspected of providing support to terrorist groups operating in the Lake Chad Basin and surrounding communities.
Operation HADIN KAI has repeatedly emphasized that cutting off supply routes and dismantling support structures remain critical components of ongoing efforts to degrade the operational capabilities of terrorist organisations and restore lasting peace to the region.
