Army troops intercept foreign suspect, recover illicit drugs destined for terrorists
Nigerian Troops Intercept Suspected Drug Courier Linked to Terrorism
Troops from Sector 3 of the Joint Task Force North East, under Operation Hadin Kai, have apprehended a suspected drug courier believed to be transporting a significant haul of illicit substances.
In a statement released on X on Friday, military officials reported that the operation took place on Thursday. The items seized were reportedly intended for groups operating in the Lake Chad Islands, an area known for its association with terrorist activities.
The operation unfolded during extensive search efforts along the Maiduguri–Monguno route, where troops stopped a suspicious vehicle heading towards Kwatan Doron Baga in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspect, identified as Mrs. Rachael Samuel, 48, a national of Chad, was arrested while allegedly transporting the contraband. Preliminary investigations suggest that the drugs were being moved to locations within the Lake Chad Islands.
The military reported that among the recovered items were seven compressed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa weighing approximately 30 kilograms, two 10-liter containers of hydromercuric chloride—commonly referred to as “Suck and Die”—a carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin, and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages, all valued in the millions of Naira.
In addition to these substances, authorities seized a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, personal belongings, and cash. The suspect is currently in military custody, and all evidence has been secured for transfer to the relevant law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution as per existing laws.
