Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested a suspected foreign drug courier allegedly transporting illicit substances and alcoholic drinks to terrorists operating in the Lake Chad Islands. The operation, carried out in Borno State, also led to the recovery of a large cache of prohibited items believed to be meant for insurgents.
The suspect was intercepted on Thursday, July 9, 2026, while travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area during a military operation along the Maiduguri-Monguno axis.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed the development in a statement posted on the Nigerian Army’s X handle on Friday.
According to Goni, the troops stopped a suspicious vehicle heading towards Kwatan Doron Baga and arrested the suspect, identified as Mrs. Rachael Samuel, 48, a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad.
He said preliminary investigations revealed that the recovered items were being transported to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist elements.
Items recovered from the suspect included seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, popularly known as “Suck and Die,” one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin, and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages.
Troops also recovered one mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine cards, personal belongings and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The military said the seized items have an estimated market value worth millions of naira.
It added that the suspect remains in military custody, while all recovered exhibits have been secured ahead of their handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution in line with extant laws.
Operation HADIN KAI said the successful interception highlights its determination to dismantle terrorist logistics and supply networks across the North-East.
The military noted that intelligence reports have consistently shown that terrorist groups rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and aid violent operations. It said intercepting the consignment before it reached its destination dealt another significant blow to the terrorists’ support network.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to strengthen ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.
