Troops Arrest Chadian Woman, Intercept Illicit Drugs Allegedly Bound for Lake Chad Terrorists

Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have arrested a 48-year-old Chadian national and intercepted a large consignment of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited substances allegedly destined for terrorist elements operating in the Lake Chad Islands.

The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni.

According to the statement, the operation followed actionable intelligence and was carried out during intensive search operations along the Maiduguri-Monguno highway.

Troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, where the suspect, identified as Mrs. Rachael Samuel, a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad, was arrested.

Preliminary investigations, the military said, indicate that the prohibited items were being transported to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist groups.

Items recovered from the suspect include 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.

Troops also recovered one mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, cash and other personal effects.

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 possible prosecution in accordance with the law.

Operation HADIN KAI said the successful interception underscores its commitment to dismantling the logistics networks that sustain terrorist operations across the North East.

According to the military, intelligence reports have consistently shown that illicit drugs and intoxicants are frequently used by terrorist groups to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent attacks.

It noted that intercepting the consignment before it reached its intended destination dealt another blow to the operational support system of terrorist groups operating in the region.

The Theatre Command commended the vigilance and professionalism of the troops and assured Nigerians that operations against terrorists and their collaborators would continue without relent.

It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East.