Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested a suspected foreign drug courier and intercepted a large consignment of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages, and other prohibited substances allegedly intended for terrorist groups operating in the Lake Chad Islands.
The arrest was made on Thursday, July 9, 2026, during a military operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis as the suspect travelled towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed the development in a statement shared on the Nigerian Army’s official X account on Friday.
According to the statement, the suspect, identified as Mrs. Rachael Samuel, 48, a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad, was intercepted while transporting the prohibited items.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the recovered items were being transported to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist elements.
Items recovered include seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilograms; 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; one mobile phone; two ATM cards; personal effects; and cash.
The military said the seized items are worth millions of naira.
Capt. Goni said the suspect remains in military custody, while the recovered exhibits have been secured pending handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution.
He noted that the operation reflects Operation HADIN KAI’s determination to dismantle terrorist logistics and supply networks across the North-East.
The military added that intelligence reports have consistently shown that terrorist groups rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear, and enhance their operational capabilities, stressing that the interception dealt another significant blow to the terrorists’ support network.
