Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman allegedly transporting illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited items suspected to be intended for terrorist groups operating around the Lake Chad Islands.
The military said the suspect, identified as Mrs Rachael Samuel, was apprehended on Thursday during a targeted operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno highway while travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
In a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the operation was carried out following credible intelligence on suspected logistics movements linked to terrorist activities in the North-East.
According to the military, the suspect is a Chadian national from Kelo in the Chari-Baguirmi Province of the Republic of Chad.
Items recovered from her include seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa weighing about 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.
Security operatives also recovered a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, cash and other personal belongings.
The military alleged that preliminary investigations suggest the items were being transported to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, where remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents are believed to be operating.
The suspect remains in military custody, while the recovered exhibits are expected to be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The military described the arrest as another setback for the logistics network sustaining terrorist operations in the region.
According to the statement, intelligence has consistently shown that terrorist groups depend on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and enhance their operational effectiveness.
“The successful interception further highlights Operation HADIN KAI’s determination to deny terrorists access to logistics and supplies that sustain their criminal activities.”
The Theatre Command commended the troops involved in the operation and reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying ongoing operations against insurgents and their collaborators across the North-East.
It also appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies to support efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and security in the region.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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