Troops from Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, detained a suspected foreign drug courier and seized a huge shipment of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages, and other forbidden substances allegedly intended for terrorists operating in the Lake Chad islands.
The suspect was apprehended during an operation on Thursday, July 9, 2026, while travelling to Kwatan Doron Baga in Borno State’s Kukawa Local Government Area.
Capt. Mohammed Goni, the acting military information officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, made the announcement in a statement posted on the Nigerian Army’s X account on Friday.
Goni said, “The operation was conducted during intensive search operations along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis, where troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
“The suspect, identified as Mrs Rachael Samuel (48), a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad, was arrested while conveying the prohibited items.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the recovered substances were being moved to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist elements.”
The suspect was found with seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa weighing approximately 30 kilograms, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, also known as “Suck and Die”, and one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages.
Other retrieved items by the troops include a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine cards, personal belongings, and cash.
The military disclosed that the recovered items have an estimated market value running into millions of naira.
“The suspect is currently in military custody, while all recovered exhibits have been secured pending handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws,” the statement read.
The military noted that the interception underscored Operation HADIN KAI’s resolve to disrupt terrorist logistics and supply chains in the North-East.
“Available intelligence has consistently shown that illicit drugs and intoxicants are frequently used by terrorist groups to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent operations.
“By intercepting the consignment before it reached its destination, the troops have disrupted another critical aspect of the terrorists’ support network,” the statement added.
The Theatre Command praised the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, assuring people that operations against terrorists and their supporters would continue.
It also urged the public to continue giving security services with timely and credible intelligence in order to help restore long-term peace and security in the North-East.
