Army troops intercept foreign suspect, recover illicit drugs destined for terrorists

Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, OPHK, have intercepted a suspected foreign terrorist drug courier conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited substances.

The army, in a statement posted on X on Friday, stated that the operation occurred on Thursday, noting that the items were believed to be destined for terrorist elements operating within the Lake Chad Islands.

According to the army, the operation was carried out during intensive search operations along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis, where troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. 

It reiterated that the suspect, Mrs Rachael Samuel, 48, a Chadian national, was arrested while conveying the prohibited items, stating that preliminary findings indicate that the recovered substances were being moved to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist elements.

“Items recovered from the suspect include 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, 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages all with a market street value approximately running into millions of Naira. 

“Other items recovered include, one mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machines, ATM, cards, personal effects and cash. 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,” the statement said.