Troops of Sector 3 of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have intercepted a suspected foreign courier allegedly transporting illicit drugs, alcohol and other prohibited items believed to be destined for terrorist groups operating in the Lake Chad region of Borno State.
The suspect was arrested on Thursday during a military operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno road while travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area.
According to the military, the suspect, identified as 48-year-old Rachael Samuel, a Chadian national from Chari-Baguirmi Province, was found conveying several prohibited items.
Preliminary investigations suggest the consignment was intended for locations within the Lake Chad Islands, where terrorist groups are known to operate.
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Items recovered from the suspect included seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis weighing about 30 kilograms, two 10-litre containers of a hazardous chemical known locally as “Suck and Die,” one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin, 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages, a mobile phone, two ATM cards, cash and other personal belongings.
Military authorities said the seized items are worth millions of naira and have been secured as evidence, while the suspect remains in custody pending transfer to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The military noted that intelligence reports have consistently shown that terrorist groups rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and support violent operations. It added that intercepting the shipment has disrupted part of the logistics network sustaining insurgent activities in the North-East.
Operation HADIN KAI commended the troops for their vigilance and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the region.
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