Troops Intercept Suspected Foreign Drug Courier

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

The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Mrs. Rachael Samuel, a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad, was arrested during an operation on Thursday, July 9, 2026, while travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed the arrest in a statement shared on the Nigerian Army’s official X account on Friday.

According to Goni, the suspect was intercepted during an intensive search operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis.

“The operation was conducted during an intensive search operations along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis, where troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State,” the statement said.

He added that preliminary investigations indicated the prohibited items were being transported to locations within the Lake Chad Islands.

“The suspect, identified as Mrs Rachael Samuel (48), a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad, was arrested while conveying the prohibited items. Preliminary findings indicate that the recovered substances were being moved to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist elements.”

Items recovered from the suspect included 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.

Troops also recovered a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, personal belongings and an unspecified amount of cash. The military said the seized items are estimated to be worth millions of naira.

“The suspect is currently in military custody, while all recovered exhibits have been secured pending handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.”

Operation HADIN KAI said the successful interception highlights ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist logistics and supply networks across the North-East.