Troops intercept suspected foreign drug courier, seize drugs bound for Lake Chad Islands

Abdullateef Fowewe

Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force (JTF) North East under Operation HADIN KAI have intercepted a suspected foreign drug courier and seized a large consignment of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited items believed destined for terrorist elements in the Lake Chad Islands.

In statement shared on Friday by the Nigerian Army, the Theatre Command said the operation was carried out during “intensive search operations along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis,” when troops stopped a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The suspect was identified as “Mrs Rachael Samuel (48), a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari‑Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad,” the statement said.

The release quoted the command’s description of recovered items: “seven compressed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa weighing approximately 30 kilogrammes, two 10‑litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, popularly known as ‘Suck and Die,’ one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin, [and] 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages,” with a combined street value the statement said runs “into millions of Naira.”

Troops also recovered a mobile phone, two ATM cards, personal effects, and cash.

The suspect is “currently in military custody,” the JTF said, and all exhibits have been secured “pending handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.”

The command framed the interception as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics.

“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,” the statement read, adding that seizing the consignment “disrupted another critical aspect of the terrorists’ support network.”

Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer at JTF Headquarters, commended the troops’ “vigilance and professionalism” and urged the public to continue providing “timely and credible information to security agencies” to support efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North East.