Troops operating under Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East have arrested a suspected drug smuggler and seized a major cache of illicit substances heading to terrorist cells. The suspect, 48-year-old Rachael Samuel from Kelo in Chad's Chari-Baguirmi Province, was caught on Thursday during a checkpoint operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno route in Borno State.
Samuel was intercepted while driving towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area, according to Mohammed Goni, the acting military information officer for Joint Task Force (North East). The arrest came after troops intensified their search operations on the strategic corridor.
The military recovered seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa weighing roughly 30 kilogrammes from the vehicle. Officers also found two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, a toxic substance commonly known as "Suck and Die," according to the statement released on Friday.
Additional items seized included one carton holding 48 bottles of dry gin and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages. The troops also recovered one mobile phone, two ATM cards, cash of an undisclosed amount and various personal items.
Preliminary investigations suggest the drugs were destined for Lake Chad Islands, a known stronghold of terrorist groups in the region. The military estimates the confiscated items have a market value running into millions of naira.
Samuel remains in military custody while all recovered exhibits have been secured pending transfer to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution. The military will hand over the case in accordance with existing laws.
Operation HADIN KAI described the interception as another significant disruption to terrorist logistics networks. Intelligence assessments have consistently shown that armed groups depend on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate their fighters and boost operational effectiveness.
"By intercepting the consignment before it reached its destination, the troops have disrupted another critical aspect of the terrorists' support network," the military said in its statement. This action demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism during the operation. Officials reaffirmed their dedication to sustaining operations designed to dismantle terrorist networks and eliminate their collaborators across the North-East.
The military has appealed to residents of the North-East to strengthen their collaboration with security forces by sharing timely and reliable intelligence. Such information, officials said, would bolster ongoing efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities and restore peace to affected communities.
