Troops intercept Chadian woman allegedly conveying illicit drugs and alcoholic beverages to terrorists in Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have disrupted a suspected terrorist logistics network with the arrest of a Chadian woman allegedly transporting illicit drugs and alcoholic beverages to insurgents operating in the Lake Chad region.

The arrest was made by troops of Sector 3 of the Joint Task Force North East during an intelligence-driven operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno highway on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday said the suspect, identified as Mrs Rachael Samuel, was intercepted while travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno.

“Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded another significant operational success in their sustained campaign to degrade the logistical networks supporting terrorist activities in the North East,” the statement read.

“Acting on intelligence, the troops on Thursday, 9 July 2026, intercepted a suspected foreign terrorist drug courier conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited substances believed to be destined for terrorist elements operating within the Lake Chad Islands.

“The operation was conducted during an 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. 

“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.

“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 Machine (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 successful interception further highlights Operation HADIN KAI’s determination to deny terrorists access to logistics and supplies that sustain their criminal activities. 

“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 Theatre Command commends the vigilance and professionalism of the troops and assures the public that operations against terrorists and their collaborators will continue relentlessly. 

“The public is encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in support of ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North East.”