Borno Operation: Chadian woman arrested with suspected terror supplies

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman allegedly transporting a cache of illicit drugs, alcoholic drinks and other banned substances believed to be intended for terrorists operating around the Lake Chad Islands.

The arrest was made on Thursday during a security operation along the Maiduguri-Monguno route as the suspect travelled towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The development was announced by the Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, in a statement published on the Nigerian Army’s X handle on Friday.

Giving details of the operation, Goni said: “The operation was conducted during an intensive search operations along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis, where troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

“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.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the recovered substances were being moved to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist elements.”

According to the military, the items recovered included seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, commonly called “Suck and Die”, one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages.

Security personnel also recovered a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine cards, cash and other personal belongings from the suspect.

The military estimated the seized items to be worth several millions of naira.

Providing an update on the investigation, the statement said: “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 in accordance with extant laws.”

Operation HADIN KAI said the interception was another major step in its campaign to cut off supply channels that sustain terrorist activities across the North-East.

The statement added: “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 Theatre Command praised the troops for their alertness and professionalism, reaffirming that military operations against terrorists and their collaborators would continue.

It also appealed to residents to keep supporting security agencies with prompt and reliable intelligence to strengthen efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace in the North-East.