… Intercepts foreign terrorist drug courier in Lake Chad islands
By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have successfully thwarted multiple coordinated infiltration attempts by ISWAP terrorists across Borno State in the early hours of 10 July 2026.
This is as troops on Thursday, 9 July 2026, 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.
This was disclosed on Friday in a press statement signed by the acting media information officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni.
He said, “Between 0020 hours (12:20 a.m.) and 0230 hours (2:30 a.m.), the terrorists attempted to infiltrate Muna Garage, Shuwari Village, and the Ajilari Cross axis to gain access into the Maiduguri Metropolis. With early warning mechanisms emplaced, troops swiftly detected the advancing terrorists and engaged them from multiple axes with accurate firepower, decisively frustrating all attempts to infiltrate.
“In separate incidents, troops also successfully thwarted additional infiltration attempts by the terrorists at Miringa and Dutsen Kura in Buratai. During the pursuit of the fleeing terrorists at Miringa, a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle triggered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) with no casualties recorded among troops. The situation remains stable.
“Overwhelmed by the troops’ speedy tactical manoeuvre, the terrorists were forced to abandon their mission and retreat in confusion across all locations.” Goni stated.
In another development, troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded another significant operational success in their sustained campaign to degrade the logistical networks supporting terrorist activities in the North East.
“Acting on intelligence, the troops on Thursday, 9 July 2026, 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.
“The operation was conducted during an intensive search operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis, where troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in the 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.
Items recovered from the suspect include seven compressed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa weighing approximately 30 kilograms, 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, all with a market street value approximately running 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.
“The successful interception further 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,” Goni explained.
He further said the Theatre Command commends the vigilance and professionalism of the troops and assures the public that operations against terrorists and their collaborators will continue relentlessly.
Goni also encouraged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in support of ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North East. End
