Troops Arrest Suspected Foreign Drug Courier, Seize Illicit Consignment Bound for Terrorists in Lake Chad
Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have intercepted a suspected foreign drug courier transporting a large consignment of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited substances allegedly destined for terrorist elements operating within the Lake Chad Islands.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the operation followed actionable intelligence and was carried out on Thursday, July 9, 2026, during intensified search operations along the Maiduguri–Monguno Road.
The troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State and arrested the suspect, identified as Mrs. Rachael Samuel, 48, a Chadian national from Kelo, Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the recovered items were allegedly being transported to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area where terrorist groups are known to operate.
Items recovered during the operation include 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 an estimated market value running into millions of naira.
Troops also recovered one mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, cash and other personal effects from the suspect.
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.
Operation HADIN KAI said the successful interception dealt another blow to terrorist logistics networks, noting that intelligence reports have consistently shown that illicit drugs and intoxicants are often used by terrorist groups to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent attacks.
The Theatre Command commended the vigilance and professionalism of the troops, reaffirming its commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at denying terrorists access to logistics, supplies and other support systems that enable their activities.
The military also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts and restore lasting peace across the North-East.
Troops Arrest Suspected Foreign Drug Courier, Seize Illicit Consignment Bound for Terrorists in Lake Chad