Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East (North East), under Operation HADIN KAI, have intercepted a woman the military describes as a suspected terror logistics courier and recovered a large consignment of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited substances during an intelligence-led operation in Borno State.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the operation was carried out along the Maiduguri–Monguno road, a strategic route frequently monitored by security forces due to ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
The suspect was identified as Mrs. Rachael Samuel, a 48-year-old Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Chad. Military authorities said she was intercepted while reportedly travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. The area lies within the Lake Chad region, where security forces have continued operations against terrorist groups.
During a search, troops recovered seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis with an estimated combined weight of about 30 kilograms. They also recovered two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, commonly referred to as “Suck and Die,” a substance authorities say has been linked to criminal activities. Other items recovered include a carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin, 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages, a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, cash and other personal effects.
The military said preliminary investigations indicate the recovered items were allegedly being transported to locations within the Lake Chad Islands. According to Operation HADIN KAI, the islands have served as hideouts for terrorist groups operating in parts of the North-East, making the movement of supplies into the area a major security concern.
Captain Goni said the interception represents another step in ongoing efforts by troops to dismantle the logistics and supply chains that sustain terrorist operations. He noted that cutting off access to supplies such as drugs, alcohol and other prohibited materials remains an important aspect of the military’s broader counter-insurgency strategy.
Security officials explained that intelligence-driven operations have continued to play a significant role in identifying suspected couriers, disrupting movement routes and preventing supplies from reaching criminal and terrorist elements operating within the region. Such operations, they added, complement ongoing ground and air offensives aimed at restoring lasting peace across the North-East.
Operation HADIN KAI has repeatedly intensified surveillance and clearance operations across Borno and neighbouring states as part of efforts to weaken the operational capacity of insurgent groups.
Military authorities say collaboration with intelligence agencies and local communities has improved the identification of suspicious movements and strengthened the effectiveness of security operations.
The suspect is currently in military custody, while the recovered exhibits are expected to be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.
The latest interception underscores the military’s continued focus on preventing suspected logistics networks from supporting terrorist activities and reflects ongoing efforts by security forces to improve stability and security across the North-East. Authorities have also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in combating terrorism and other forms of criminality in the region. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
