Army crushes Boko Haram drug pipeline in Borno raid

Abdullateef Fowewe

Troops from the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), under Operation DESERT SANITY V, disrupted a major illicit drug supply network linked to Boko Haram terrorists on January 23, 2026, in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

Acting on credible intelligence, the troops arrested 65-year-old suspected drug dealer Hauwa Abulazeez, described as “one of the suppliers of cannabis sativa to Boko Haram Terrorist elements operating through Askira Uba, Rumirgo, Gwahi, Wamdiyo, Uvu, and Gaya.”

During the raid, forces recovered 14 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilograms.

Preliminary probes reveal Abulazeez sourced the drugs from Sarti Baruwa LGA in Taraba State and used established routes for distribution across communities in the theatre of operations.

“The interception underscores the broader impact of denying illicit supply chains that fuel violence, criminality, and instability,” stated in a statement on Sunday by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at OPHK Headquarters, emphasising the operation’s role in weakening terrorist logistics.

The suspect remains in custody for further investigation, with ongoing efforts to dismantle the wider trafficking network.

“Through sustained intelligence-driven operations and continuous pressure across the Theatre, troops will persist in denying criminal networks the space, resources, and freedom required to operate, until enduring peace and stability are achieved,” Lt. Col. Uba affirmed.