Odita Sunday 
Troops Arrest Chadian Suspect, Intercept Drugs Meant for Terrorists in Lake Chad
By Odita Sunday
Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have intercepted a suspected foreign drug courier and recovered a large consignment of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited substances believed to be destined for terrorists operating in the Lake Chad Islands.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the operation was carried out on July 9 during an intelligence-led search along the Maiduguri–Monguno road.
The troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle heading towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State and arrested the suspect, identified as Mrs. Rachael Samuel, 48, a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the recovered items were being transported to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, where terrorist groups are known to operate.
Items recovered include seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis 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 effects.
The military said the seized items are valued at several millions of naira.
Capt. Goni said the suspect remains in military custody, while the recovered exhibits have been secured pending their handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution.
He noted that the interception underscored Operation HADIN KAI’s resolve to dismantle the logistics and supply chains that sustain terrorist operations in the North-East.
According to the military, intelligence has consistently shown that terrorist groups rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent attacks.
The statement added that by intercepting the consignment before it reached its destination, troops had disrupted another critical component of the terrorists’ support network.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism and assured residents that operations against terrorists and their collaborators would continue without relent.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.
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