How Troops foiled suspected terrorist supply chain, nabbed Chadian woman with drugs in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have disrupted a suspected terrorist logistics network with the arrest of a Chadian woman allegedly transporting illicit drugs and alcoholic beverages to insurgents operating in the Lake Chad region.
The arrest was made by troops of Sector 3 of the Joint Task Force North East during an intelligence-driven operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno highway on Thursday.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Capt. Mohammed Goni, the suspect was intercepted while travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno.
He identified the suspect as Mrs Rachael Samuel, 48, a citizen of the Republic of Chad from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province.
“The operation followed actionable intelligence on suspected movements of logistics intended for terrorist elements within the Lake Chad Islands,” the statement said.
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Items recovered from the suspect included seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa weighing approximately 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, popularly known as “Suck and Die,” one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages.
The troops also recovered a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, personal belongings and cash from the suspect.
Military authorities said the suspect had been taken into custody, while the exhibits would be handed over to the relevant law enforcement agency for detailed investigation and prosecution.
The statement said the operation represented another breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle the supply networks sustaining terrorist groups in the North East.
It explained that intelligence reports had shown that terrorist fighters often relied on illicit drugs and intoxicants to enhance endurance, suppress fear and support their violent activities.
The Theatre Command praised the troops for their professionalism and vigilance, reiterating its commitment to intensifying operations against terrorists and those providing them with logistics and other forms of support.
It also appealed to residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the region.