Borno: Army Intercepts Chadian Woman With Illicit Drugs Allegedly Destined For Terrorists

The suspect, identified as Rachael Samuel, was apprehended while travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of the state during a security operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, confirmed the development in a statement shared by the Nigerian Army, noting that the arrest followed an intensive search operation carried out by troops.

According to the military, the suspect, a native of Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province of the Republic of Chad, was intercepted in a suspicious vehicle allegedly conveying prohibited items believed to be destined for locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area identified as a hideout for terrorist groups.

Items recovered from the suspect included seven compressed bundles of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilograms, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride popularly known as “Suck and Die,” a carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic drinks.

The troops also recovered a mobile phone, two ATM cards, personal belongings and an undisclosed amount of cash. The military stated that the seized items had an estimated value running into millions of naira.

The suspect is currently in military custody, while the recovered exhibits have been secured pending transfer to relevant law enforcement authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The military described the operation as part of ongoing efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to dismantle terrorist supply networks and prevent the movement of materials capable of supporting insurgent activities in the North-East.

It added that intelligence gathered over time had shown that illicit substances and intoxicants were sometimes used by terrorist groups to influence fighters and aid violent operations.

The Theatre Command commended the troops for their alertness and commitment, assuring residents that operations targeting terrorists, their collaborators and logistics suppliers would continue across the region.

The command also urged members of the public to continue providing useful information to security agencies to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the North-East.