Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have intercepted a suspected foreign drug courier and recovered a large cache of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited substances allegedly destined for terrorist elements operating in the Lake Chad Islands.
According to statement signed by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the operation, carried out on Thursday along the Maiduguri–Monguno corridor, is the latest in the military’s sustained efforts to dismantle the logistics and supply networks sustaining insurgent activities across the North-East.
According to the military, the interception followed actionable intelligence during an intensive search operation on the route leading to 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. Preliminary investigations indicate that the consignment was intended for terrorist enclaves within the Lake Chad Islands, a long-standing operational base for insurgent groups.
Recovered from the suspect were 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, with the total estimated street value running into millions of naira.
Troops also recovered one mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, cash and other personal effects.
Military authorities disclosed that the suspect is currently in custody, while the recovered exhibits have been secured and will be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.
The military said the operation represents another major disruption of the logistical chain that supports terrorist operations in the North-East.
According to available intelligence, terrorist groups frequently rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and enhance their operational capabilities during attacks. By intercepting the consignment before it reached its destination, the troops dealt another blow to the insurgents’ supply network.
The Theatre Command commended the vigilance, professionalism and operational efficiency of the troops, reaffirming its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and their collaborators across the theatre.
It also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to facilitate ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the North-East.
