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 believed to be destined for terrorist elements operating in the Lake Chad Islands.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the operation was carried out on Thursday, July 9, 2026, following actionable intelligence during intensive search operations along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis.
The statement disclosed that 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 in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the prohibited items were being transported to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist elements.
Recovered during the operation were 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, with an estimated street value running into millions of naira.
Other items recovered included a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, cash and other personal effects.
The statement noted that 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.
Operation HADIN KAI said the successful interception represents another major blow to the logistical networks sustaining terrorist operations in the North East, noting that intelligence has consistently shown that terrorist groups rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent attacks.
By intercepting the consignment before it reached its destination, the troops effectively disrupted a key component of the terrorists’ supply chain, the statement 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.
It also 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.
