Soldiers intercept foreign courier carrying drugs to terrorists in Borno

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 allegedly destined for terrorists operating in the Lake Chad Islands.

The suspect was arrested during an operation on Thursday, July 9, 2026, while travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement posted on the Nigerian Army’s X handle on Friday.

Goni said, “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 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.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the recovered substances were being moved to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist elements.”

Items recovered from the suspect include 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 and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages.

Other recovered items include one mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine cards, personal effects and cash.

The military said the recovered items have an estimated market value running into millions of naira.

“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,” the statement read.

The military said the interception underscored Operation HADIN KAI’s resolve to disrupt terrorist logistics and supply chains in the North-East.

“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 statement added.

The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism and assured residents that operations against terrorists and their collaborators would continue.

It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.(Punch)