By Abubakar Ojima-ojo
The Nigerian Army says its troops have intercepted a female Chadian national transporting illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited substances to terrorists operating in the Lake Chad Islands.
In a statement on Friday, Mohammed Goni, acting military information officer, headquarters joint task force (north-east), Operation Hadin Kai, said the suspect was arrested on Thursday during an intensive search operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno road in Borno state.
He said troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa LGA in the 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,” the statement reads.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the recovered substances were being moved to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist elements.
“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.”
Goni said the suspect is currently in military custody, while the recovered items have been secured pending handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution.
He said the interception underscores Operation Hadin Kai’s commitment to cutting off terrorists’ access to logistics and supplies used to sustain their operations.
According to him, intelligence reports have consistently shown that terrorist groups rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and support violent operations.
“By intercepting the consignment before it reached its destination, the troops have disrupted another critical aspect of the terrorists’ support network,” the statement reads.
“The 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.”
