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.
A statement issued yesterday in Maiduguri by the Acting Military Information Officer of OPHK, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the operation was carried out during intensive search operations along the Maiduguri-Monguno axis.
According to him, the troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The OPHK spokesman said 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.
He said preliminary findings indicated that the recovered substances were being transported to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist elements.
The statement further revealed that 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, with an estimated market value running into millions of naira.
Other items recovered, according to Goni, included one mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, personal effects and cash.
He said 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.
Goni noted that the successful interception further highlights Operation HADIN KAI’s determination to deny terrorists access to the logistics and supplies that sustain their criminal activities.
He said 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 Theatre Command commends the vigilance and professionalism of the troops and assures the public that operations against terrorists and their collaborators will continue relentlessly.
“The public is encouraged 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,” the statement added.
