Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman suspected of transporting illicit drugs and other prohibited items allegedly meant for terrorist groups operating in the Lake Chad region.
The suspect was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation by troops of Sector 3 along the Maiduguri–Monguno road while travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, identified the suspect as Rachael Samuel, a native of Kelo in Chad’s Chari-Baguirmi Province.
According to him, preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was destined for terrorist hideouts within the Lake Chad Islands.
Recovered from the suspect were seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis weighing about 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 beverages, a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine cards, cash and other personal belongings.
The military said the recovered items are valued at several million naira.
Goni disclosed that the suspect is being held in military custody, while the exhibits will be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
He said the interception dealt a significant blow to the logistics network sustaining terrorist operations in the North-East, noting that insurgents often rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to embolden fighters and support violent activities.
According to him, preventing the items from reaching the Lake Chad region disrupted another supply route used by terrorist groups.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for the successful operation and reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and their collaborators across the region.
It also appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to improve security and restore lasting peace in the North-East.
(The Whistler)