Drug Supply Route To Lake Chad Foiled As Military Intercepts Suspected Courier, Seizes Illicit Drugs

Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have foiled a suspected Drug Supply Route to Lake Chad by intercepting a foreign national allegedly transporting illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited substances believed to be destined for terrorist groups operating in the Lake Chad Islands.

Key Highlights

• Troops intercepted a suspected drug courier along the Maiduguri-Monguno Road.
• A 48-year-old Chadian national was arrested during the intelligence-led operation.
• Military recovered suspected cannabis, alcoholic drinks and other prohibited substances worth millions of naira.
• Security agencies believe the consignment was destined for terrorist elements in the Lake Chad Islands.
• Suspect remains in military custody pending transfer for further investigation and prosecution.

The operation followed intelligence-led search activities conducted on Thursday along the Maiduguri-Monguno Road. Military authorities said troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to the military, the suspect, identified as Mrs. Rachael Samuel, 48, a Chadian national from Kelo, Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad, was arrested while transporting the prohibited items.

In a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, the military said preliminary investigations indicate that the consignment was being conveyed to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area where terrorist groups are known to operate.

Items recovered from the suspect include seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis 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. Military authorities estimated the street value of the recovered items at several millions of naira.

Other exhibits recovered include a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, personal belongings and cash.

The suspect remains in military custody, while the recovered exhibits have been secured pending transfer to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution.

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Operation HADIN KAI said the interception underscores ongoing efforts to dismantle the logistical networks that sustain terrorist activities across the North East. The military noted that intelligence reports have consistently shown that terrorist groups rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent operations.

The Theatre Command commended the vigilance and professionalism of the troops and reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and their collaborators.

It also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the region.