Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
TROOPS of Operation Hadin Kai have intercepted a suspected foreign terrorist drug courier transporting a substantial consignment of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages, and other prohibited substances in Borno State.
The operation, which took place on Thursday along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis, represents what military officials have described as “another significant operational success” in their ongoing campaign to dismantle logistical networks supporting terrorist activities in Nigeria’s North-East.
Military intelligence sources confirmed that the interception occurred during an intensive search operation near Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area, where troops stopped a suspicious vehicle heading towards the Lake Chad Islands.
The suspect has been identified as Mrs Rachael Samuel, a 48-year-old Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad.
Acting Military Information Officer for the operation, Mohammed Goni, confirmed that preliminary investigations suggest the substances were destined for terrorist elements operating within the Lake Chad Islands region.
“The recovered substances were being moved to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist elements,” Goni said in a statement.
Items seized from the suspect include seven compressed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa weighing approximately 30 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value running into millions of naira.
Also recovered were two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, commonly known as “Suck and Die”, a highly dangerous substance frequently abused in the region.
The haul further included one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages.
Among other items recovered were one mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine cards, personal effects, and an undisclosed amount of cash.
Military sources indicated that intelligence has consistently shown illicit drugs and intoxicants are regularly used by terrorist groups to stimulate fighters, suppress fear, and facilitate violent operations.
“By intercepting this consignment before it reached its destination, the troops have disrupted another critical aspect of the terrorists’ support network,” Goni emphasised.
The suspect is currently in military custody, with all recovered exhibits secured pending handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.
Operation Hadin Kai command commended the “vigilance and professionalism” of the troops involved in the operation and assured the public that operations against terrorists and their collaborators would continue relentlessly.
The interception follows a series of recent successes by Nigerian troops in the region, including the dismantling of a terrorist roadblock and the rescue of 53 hostages in Borno earlier this week.
