Soldiers Intercept Foreign Courier Allegedly Transporting Drugs to Terrorists in Borno
Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have intercepted a suspected foreign drug courier and recovered a large consignment of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited substances allegedly being transported to terrorists operating in the Lake Chad Islands.
The suspect, Mrs. Rachael Samuel, 48, a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad, was arrested on Thursday, July 9, 2026, during a search operation along the Maiduguri to Monguno highway while travelling toward Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, preliminary investigations indicate that the recovered items were intended for terrorist elements hiding in the Lake Chad Islands.
Items recovered from the suspect include:
Seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilograms.
Two 10 litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, popularly known as “Suck and Die.”
One carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin.
Sixty one bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages.
One mobile phone.
Two ATM cards.
Cash and other personal belongings.
The military said the suspect is currently in custody, while the recovered exhibits will be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution.
Operation HADIN KAI noted that intelligence has consistently shown that terrorist groups rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent attacks. It described the interception as a significant disruption of the terrorists’ logistics and supply network.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism and urged residents of the North East to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter terrorism operations.
