Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have intercepted 48-year-old Mrs. Rachael Samuel, a suspected foreign terrorist courier and recovered a large consignment of illicit drugs and alcohol believed to be destined for terrorist groups in the Lake Chad Islands.

In a statement on Thursday, Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the interception occurred during intensive search operations along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis.

The suspect, identified as a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad, was arrested while driving towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Items recovered include seven compressed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa weighing approximately 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, locally called “Suck and Die,” one carton of 48 bottles of dry gin, and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages.

According to the statement, the street value of the drugs and alcohol runs into millions of naira.

Other items recovered were one mobile phone, two ATM cards, personal effects and cash.

Goni said preliminary findings indicated the consignment was being moved to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist elements.

He noted that intelligence shows terrorist groups often use illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent operations.

“The successful interception further highlights Operation Hadin Kai’s determination to deny terrorists access to logistics and supplies that sustain their criminal activities,” the statement said.

Goni stated that the suspect is currently in military custody, adding that all exhibits have been secured pending handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution.

The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, and urged members of the public to continue providing timely information to security agencies to support efforts to restore peace in the North East. (The Sun, but headline rejigged)