Troops Intercept Suspected Foreign Terrorist Courier, Seize Illicit Drugs Bound for Lake Chad Insurgents

By Frontline Reporters

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recorded another major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism after intercepting a suspected foreign drug courier allegedly transporting illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited substances believed to be destined for terrorist camps in the Lake Chad region.

The suspect, identified as Mrs. Rachael Samuel, 48, a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad, was arrested during a coordinated search operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno highway in Borno State.

The Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Goni, disclosed the development in a statement on Friday, describing the operation as a significant success in the military’s sustained efforts to dismantle the logistics network sustaining terrorist activities in the North-East.

According to Goni, troops intercepted the suspect while she was travelling toward Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area, following intelligence-led surveillance along the strategic route.

He said preliminary investigations indicated that the prohibited items were being transported to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area long identified as a hideout for terrorist groups.

The military recovered seven compressed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa weighing approximately 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.

Security operatives also recovered a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, cash and other personal belongings from the suspect.

Military authorities estimated the street value of the seized items to be worth several millions of naira.

“The suspect is currently in military custody, while all recovered exhibits have been secured pending their handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws,” Goni stated.

He noted that the interception underscores Operation Hadin Kai’s determination to cut off terrorists from the supplies and logistics that enable their operations.

According to the military spokesman, intelligence reports have consistently shown that terrorist groups rely heavily on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and enhance their capacity to carry out violent attacks.

“By intercepting the consignment before it reached its destination, the troops have disrupted another critical aspect of the terrorists’ support network,” he added.

Operation Hadin Kai commended the vigilance, professionalism and resilience of its troops, assuring Nigerians that sustained offensives against terrorists, their collaborators and criminal supply chains would continue until lasting peace is restored across the North-East.

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