Borno: Nigerian Army Intercept Chadian Woman With Illicit Drugs Meant For Terrorists

Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, have arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman suspected of conveying illicit drugs, alcoholic drinks and other prohibited substances to terrorists operating in the Lake Chad Islands.

Naija News understands that the suspect, identified as Rachael Samuel, was arrested on Thursday while travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement posted on the Nigerian Army’s 𝕏 handle on Friday.

Goni said the suspect was intercepted during an intensive search operation conducted by troops along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis.

“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 Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State,” he said.

“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.”

Troops Recover 30kg Cannabis, Alcohol

According to the military, items recovered from the suspect included seven compressed bundles of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, weighing about 30 kilograms.

The troops also recovered 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.

Other items seized during the operation included a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine cards, personal belongings and an undisclosed amount of cash.

The military said the recovered items had 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.

Military Targets Terrorists’ Supply Network

The military said the interception was part of ongoing efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt the logistics and supply networks sustaining terrorist activities in the North-East.

It noted that intelligence reports had repeatedly linked the supply of illicit drugs and intoxicants to terrorist operations, alleging that such substances were used to embolden fighters and facilitate attacks.

“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,” the statement added.

“By intercepting the consignment before it reached its destination, the troops have disrupted another critical aspect of the terrorists’ support network.”

The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and determination during the operation.

It assured residents that military operations against terrorists, their collaborators and logistics suppliers would continue across the region.

The command also urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the North-East.