Troops Intercept Suspected ‘Foreign Terrorist’ In Borno, Recover Illicit Drugs

Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have intercepted a suspected foreign terrorist drug courier conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited substances believed to be destined for terrorist elements operating within the Lake Chad Islands.

In a statement, the operation’s Acting Military Information Officer, Mohammed Goni, described the arrest as “another significant operational success in their sustained campaign to degrade the logistical networks supporting terrorist activities in the North-East”.

Goni said the interception, which happened on Thursday, was conducted during an intensive search operation 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 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,” the statement read in part.

Items recovered from the suspect include seven compressed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa weighing approximately 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, popularly known as “Suck and Die”, and one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages.

The market street value of the items, according to Goni, runs into millions of naira.

Other items recovered include one mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, personal effects, and cash.

“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,” he said.

Goni said the interception highlights Operation Hadin Kai’s determination to deny terrorists access to logistics and supplies that sustain their criminal activities.

“Available intelligence has consistently shown that 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 command said.

It commended the “vigilance and professionalism of the troops” and assured the public that operations against terrorists and their collaborators will continue relentlessly.