Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested a suspected foreign terrorist logistics courier and recovered a large cache of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited substances during an operation in Borno State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Goni, described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the military’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the supply networks supporting terrorist groups in the North-East.
According to Goni, the operation was carried out on Thursday during a routine search along the Maiduguri–Monguno highway, where troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle heading towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area.
He said the recovered items were believed to be destined for terrorist elements operating within the Lake Chad Islands.
“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,” the statement read.
Items recovered from the suspect included seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis weighing about 30 kilograms, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, commonly known as “Suck and Die”, one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin, and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages.
Troops also recovered a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, cash and other personal belongings.
Goni said the seized items are valued at several millions of naira.
He added that the suspect remains in military custody, while the recovered exhibits have been secured pending transfer to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution.
“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,” he said.
The military said the operation underscores its determination to cut off logistics and supplies that enable terrorist groups to sustain their activities.
According to the command, intelligence reports have consistently shown that terrorist groups frequently rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to embolden fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent attacks.
“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 command said.
Operation Hadin Kai commended the vigilance and professionalism of its personnel and reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations against terrorists and their collaborators across the North-East.
