Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have intercepted a suspected foreign terrorist drug courier and recovered a large consignment of illicit drugs and alcoholic beverages allegedly meant for terrorist elements in the Lake Chad Islands.
The interception was carried out on Thursday, 9 July 2026, during intensive search operations along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis in Borno State, according to a press statement signed by the Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni.
The suspect, identified as Mrs Rachael Samuel, 48, is a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad. She was arrested while conveying the items in a vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area.
Items recovered from the suspect include:
- Seven compressed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa weighing approximately 30 kilogrammes
- Two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, locally known as “Suck and Die”
- One carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages
- One mobile phone, two ATM cards, personal effects and cash
Military authorities said the street value of the recovered substances runs into millions of Naira.
Preliminary findings indicate that the consignment was being moved to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist elements.
The suspect is currently in military custody, while the exhibits have been secured pending handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution.
The Theatre Command noted that available intelligence consistently shows 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 statement said.
The Command commended the vigilance and professionalism of the troops and reiterated its resolve to continue operations against terrorists and their collaborators. It also urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the North East.