Troops Foils Drug Supply Route to Lake Chad Terrorists, Arrests Chadian Suspect.

By Harriet Tornguvan 

Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have intercepted a suspected foreign drug courier and recovered a large consignment of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited substances allegedly being transported to terrorist enclaves in the Lake Chad Islands.

The operation, carried out on Thursday along the Maiduguri Monguno highway, is the latest effort by the military to dismantle the logistical networks sustaining terrorist activities in the North East.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the suspect was arrested during an intensive search operation after 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 allegedly transporting the prohibited items to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area where terrorist groups are known to operate.

Items recovered from the vehicle included seven compressed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, commonly referred to as "Suck and Die," one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin, and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages with an estimated market value running into millions of naira.

Troops also recovered one mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, cash and other personal effects.

The military said the suspect is currently in custody, while the recovered exhibits have been secured pending their handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution.

Operation HADIN KAI noted that the interception represents another major setback for terrorist logistics, stressing that intelligence reports have consistently shown that illicit drugs and intoxicants are frequently used by terrorist groups to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent operations.

The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, reaffirming its commitment to sustaining operations aimed at cutting off supplies and other forms of support to terrorist groups operating in the region.

It also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North East.