Troops Arrest Chadian Woman Over Alleged Terror Supply Mission, Seize Drugs and Alcohol Worth Millions

Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman suspected of transporting illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited substances allegedly destined for terrorists operating in the Lake Chad Islands.

The suspect, identified as Mrs Rachael Samuel, was apprehended on Thursday during a routine search operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno Road while travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Military authorities said Mrs Samuel, a native of Kelo in Chad’s Chari-Baguirmi Province, was intercepted following intelligence-led security checks in the area.

In a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, preliminary investigations suggest the consignment was being transported to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, a region that has long served as a hideout for terrorist groups.

Items recovered from the suspect include seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa weighing approximately 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, commonly known as “Suck and Die,” 48 bottles of dry gin, 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic drinks, a mobile phone, two ATM cards, cash and other personal belongings.

The military said the recovered items are valued at several millions of naira.

Mrs Samuel is currently in military custody, while the seized exhibits will be transferred to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Operation HADIN KAI described the interception as another significant setback for terrorist logistics, noting that intelligence reports have consistently shown that insurgents rely heavily on illicit drugs and intoxicants to boost the morale of fighters, suppress fear and sustain violent attacks.

The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, while urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely intelligence to strengthen ongoing operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East.