Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected foreign courier allegedly transporting illicit drugs, alcohol and other prohibited substances believed to be meant for terrorists operating in the Lake Chad region.
The operation, carried out along the Maiduguri–Monguno road, led to the arrest of 48-year-old Chadian national, Rachael Samuel, who was travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to the military, preliminary investigations indicate the recovered items were destined for terrorist enclaves within the Lake Chad Islands.
Recovered exhibits include about 30 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, popularly called “Suck and Die”, one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin, 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic drinks, a mobile phone, two ATM cards, cash and other personal belongings.
Operation Hadin Kai spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Goni, said the suspect remains in military custody pending transfer to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution.
He noted that intelligence has shown terrorists often rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to embolden fighters and aid violent operations, adding that the interception has disrupted another key supply chain supporting insurgent activities.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist logistics networks and sustaining operations against insurgents and their collaborators.