MAIDUGURI — 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 destined for terrorists in the Lake Chad Islands. The suspect, identified as Mrs Rachael Samuel (48), a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, was arrested on Thursday, July 9, 2026, while travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area.
Acting Military Information Officer Capt. Mohammed Goni disclosed this in a statement posted on the Nigerian Army’s X handle. “The operation was conducted during intensive search operations along the Maiduguri-Monguno axis, where troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle,” Goni said. Recovered items include seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa (approximately 30kg), two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride (“Suck and Die”), one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin, 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages, one mobile phone, two ATM cards, personal effects and cash. The military said the recovered items have an estimated market value running into millions of naira.
“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 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. The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, urging the public to continue providing timely information to security agencies.