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 believed to be destined for terrorists operating in the Lake Chad Islands.
The operation followed credible intelligence and was carried out during intensive search operations along the Maiduguri Monguno axis on Thursday, 9 July 2026. The troops stopped a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The disclosure was made in a statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri, on 9 July 2026.
The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Mrs. Rachael Samuel, a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad, was arrested while transporting the prohibited items.
Military authorities said preliminary investigations indicate that the recovered substances were intended for delivery to terrorist elements hiding within the Lake Chad Islands, a known stronghold of insurgent groups.
Recovered exhibits include seven compressed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilogrammes, two 10 litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, commonly known as “Suck and Die,” one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin, and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages.
Other items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, personal belongings and an undisclosed sum of cash. The total value of the seized items is estimated to run into millions of naira.
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 in line with existing laws.
The Theatre Command noted that the operation dealt another blow to the logistical network sustaining terrorist activities, stressing that cutting off supplies remains a key aspect of ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
According to the military, intelligence reports have consistently shown that terrorist groups rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to embolden fighters, suppress fear and enhance their capacity to carry out violent attacks.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North East.
