Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested a suspected foreign drug courier and intercepted a large cache of illicit drugs, alcoholic drinks and other prohibited substances allegedly being transported to terrorist elements operating within the Lake Chad Islands.
The operation was carried out on Thursday, July 9, 2026, during a security mission along the Maiduguri–Monguno corridor in Borno State.
The acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, confirmed the development in a statement published on the Nigerian Army’s official X account on Friday.
According to Goni, the suspect was intercepted while travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
He explained that troops, acting on intelligence and conducting intensive search operations along the route, stopped a suspicious vehicle heading toward the Lake Chad region.
“The operation was conducted during an 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.
“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,” Goni stated.
The military said the recovered exhibits included seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa with an estimated weight of about 30 kilogrammes.
Also recovered were two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, commonly referred to as “Suck and Die.”
Troops further recovered one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin as well as 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages.
Other items found in the suspect’s possession included one mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, personal belongings and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The military disclosed that the seized items have a market value estimated to be worth several millions of naira.
Following her arrest, the suspect was taken into military custody, while all exhibits recovered during the operation were secured.
“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 added.
Operation HADIN KAI said the latest operation represents another significant step in dismantling terrorist logistics and disrupting supply chains sustaining insurgent activities in the North-East.
The military noted that intelligence reports have consistently shown that terrorist groups rely heavily on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and enhance their ability to carry out violent 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.
“By intercepting the consignment before it reached its destination, the troops have disrupted another critical aspect of the terrorists’ support network,” the military stated.
The Theatre Command commended the troops involved in the operation for their vigilance, professionalism and commitment to ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
It also reassured residents of the North-East that sustained military operations would continue against terrorists, their collaborators and those providing logistical support to insurgent groups.
The military further appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence capable of assisting ongoing operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the region.
