Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a Chadian woman allegedly transporting illicit drugs and alcoholic beverages suspected to be meant for terrorist groups operating in the Lake Chad region.
The development was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to the statement, the suspect was arrested by troops of Sector 3 during an intelligence-led operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno highway while travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The military identified the suspect as Rachael Samuel, 48, a citizen of the Republic of Chad from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province.
The statement said the operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of suspected logistics intended for terrorist elements operating within the Lake Chad Islands.
Items recovered from the suspect included seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa weighing about 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, a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine, ATM, cards, personal belongings and cash.
The military said the suspect is in custody, while the recovered items would be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Operation HADIN KAI said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist logistics networks and disrupt the supply of materials used to sustain insurgent activities across the North-East.