Troops Arrest Chadian Woman, Intercept Drugs, Alcohol Bound for Terrorists in Lake Chad Region
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 axis in Borno State, followed actionable intelligence aimed at disrupting the logistics network sustaining terrorist activities in the North East.
According to the military, troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area, where they arrested the suspect, identified as Mrs. Rachael Samuel, 48, a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province of the Republic of Chad.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the prohibited items were being transported to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area where terrorist groups are known to maintain operational hideouts.
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Items recovered from the suspect included seven compressed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, locally referred to as “Suck and Die,” one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin, and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages. The military said the seized items have an estimated market value running into millions of naira.
Other items recovered during the operation included a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, cash and other personal belongings.
The suspect is currently in military custody, while the recovered exhibits have been secured pending their handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with existing laws.
The military described the operation as another major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to dismantle the logistical networks that support terrorist activities in the region.
It noted that intelligence reports have consistently shown that terrorist groups 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 intended destination, the troops effectively disrupted a critical supply chain supporting terrorist operations in the Lake Chad region, the military added.
The Theatre Command commended the vigilance, professionalism and resilience of the troops, reaffirming its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and their collaborators across the North East.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that community support remains vital to ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the region.
By PRNigeria
