Operation HADIN KAI intercepts Chadian suspect en route to Lake Chad strongholds, seizes illicit substances worth millions

Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, under Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested a suspected foreign courier allegedly transporting illicit drugs and other prohibited items to terrorists groups operating in the Lake Chad Islands.

The suspect was intercepted on Thursday, July 9, 2026, during a coordinated search operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis. She was reportedly travelling toward Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State when troops flagged down her vehicle.

In a statement released on Friday, the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, identified the suspect as 48-year-old Rachael Samuel, a Chadian national from Kelo in the Chari-Baguirmi Province.

According to the military, preliminary investigations suggest the consignment was destined for террорист enclaves within the Lake Chad Islands, a region long associated with insurgent activity.

Items recovered from the suspect include seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa weighing approximately 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride—locally referred to as “Suck and Die”—as well as a carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages. Troops also recovered a mobile phone, two ATM cards, personal belongings, and cash.

Military authorities estimate the seized items to be worth several millions of naira.

Capt. Goni stated that the suspect is currently in military custody, while the recovered items have been secured pending transfer to appropriate law enforcement agencies for further investigation and prosecution.

He noted that the interception highlights ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle террорист logistics networks in the North-East.

“Available intelligence indicates that illicit drugs and intoxicants are frequently used by террорист groups to embolden fighters, suppress fear, and sustain violent operations,” he said.

“By intercepting this consignment, troops have disrupted a critical supply chain supporting terrorists activities in the region.”

The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, reiterating its commitment to sustained operations against insurgents and their collaborators.

Residents were also urged to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability across the North-East.