Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have intercepted a suspected foreign courier allegedly transporting illicit drugs and other prohibited items to terrorist groups operating in the Lake Chad region, dealing what the military described as another major blow to insurgents’ supply network.
The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Mrs Rachael Samuel, a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad, was arrested during a security operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno corridor while travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Nigerian Army disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Friday by Captain Mohammed Goni, the acting military information officer of headquarters joint task force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI.
According to Goni, the operation followed intensive search activities by troops of Sector 3 aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics and supply routes across the North-East.
“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 statement 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.”
The military said preliminary investigations revealed that the recovered items were allegedly being transported to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area long identified as a sanctuary for terrorist elements.
Security operatives recovered 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, 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages, a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, cash and other personal belongings.
Military authorities estimated the value of the seized consignment at several millions of naira.
The suspect remains in military custody while the exhibits have been secured ahead of transfer to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution.
“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,” Goni stated.
The military said the latest operation underscores the determination of Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle every aspect of terrorist operations, including their supply chains.
According to the statement, intelligence reports have consistently shown that insurgent groups depend heavily on illicit drugs and intoxicants to embolden fighters, suppress fear and sustain 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 Army added.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, reaffirming that military operations against terrorists and their collaborators would continue across the North-East.
It also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence capable of strengthening ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the region.
