Troops arrest 48-year-old Chadian woman conveying drugs to terrorists in Lake Chad

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intercepted a 48-year-old Chadian woman, Rachael Samuel, conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited substances suspected to be destined for terrorists operating within the Lake Chad Islands.

Muhammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer, Northeast Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

He said the suspect was arrested on Thursday during an intensive search operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno road in Borno State

The statement reads, “Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded another significant operational success in their sustained campaign to degrade the logistical networks supporting terrorist activities in the North East.

“Acting on intelligence, the troops on Thursday, 9 July 2026, 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”, he said.

According to him, the operation was conducted during an intensive search operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis, where troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area.

“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 stressed.

Goni noted that preliminary findings indicate that the recovered substances were being moved to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist elements.

He said Items recovered from the suspect include 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, 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages, all with a market street value approximately running into millions of Naira.

“Other items recovered include one mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, personal effects and cash, he added.

The army spokesman said the suspect is currently in military custody. At the same time, all recovered exhibits have been secured pending handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.

He further added that the successful interception further highlights Operation HADIN KAI’s determination to deny terrorists access to logistics and supplies that sustain their criminal activities.

“Available intelligence has consistently shown that terrorist groups frequently use illicit drugs and intoxicants 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”, he stated.

Goni said 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 concluded.