Operation HADIN KAI has intensified efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics networks in the Northeast following the interception of a suspected foreign courier allegedly transporting illicit drugs and prohibited substances to terrorist elements operating within the Lake Chad Islands.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, following an intelligence-led operation by troops of Sector 3 on Thursday.
According to the statement, troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle during a search operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno road en route to Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. A 48-year-old Chadian national, Mrs Rachael Samuel, from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, was arrested while allegedly conveying prohibited items believed to be destined for terrorist enclaves in the Lake Chad Islands.
Items recovered included seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis weighing about 30 kilograms, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, commonly known as “Suck and Die”, one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin, 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages, a mobile phone, two ATM cards, cash and other personal effects. The military said the suspect remains in custody, while the recovered items will be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution.
The interception forms part of Operation HADIN KAI’s broader strategy to dismantle terrorist support networks beyond the battlefield. According to military intelligence, narcotics and other intoxicants are frequently used by terrorist groups to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and sustain violent operations, making the disruption of supply chains a key aspect of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-led operations targeting terrorist logistics networks and their collaborators while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information to support efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North East.
