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

The Nigerian Army said the operation, carried out on Thursday, July 9, 2026, followed actionable intelligence and formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the logistical networks sustaining terrorist activities in the North East.

According to the military, troops conducting intensive search operations along the Maiduguri–Monguno highway intercepted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Mrs. Rachael Samuel, a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad, was arrested while transporting the prohibited items. Preliminary investigations indicate that the consignment was intended for terrorist elements operating within the Lake Chad Islands.

Recovered items include seven compressed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa weighing approximately 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, commonly known as “Suck and Die,” one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin, and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages, with the total street value estimated to run into millions of naira.

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

The Army disclosed that the suspect remains in military custody, while the recovered exhibits have been secured pending their handover to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for further investigation and prosecution.

The military noted that the interception underscores Operation HADIN KAI’s commitment to cutting off terrorist groups from the supplies and logistics that sustain their operations.

It explained that intelligence reports have consistently shown that terrorist organisations rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent attacks. The seizure, it said, has disrupted another critical component of the terrorists’ supply chain.

The Theatre Command commended the vigilance and professionalism of the troops, assuring Nigerians that sustained operations against terrorists and their collaborators would continue across the North East.

It also urged members of the public to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies. #Securitynewsalert.com