Nigerian soldiers have arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman accused of moving drugs and alcohol meant for terrorist groups in the Lake Chad area.
The arrest happened on Thursday during a search operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno road in Borno State, according to Operation Hadin Kai. The vehicle was heading toward Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa LGA when troops flagged it down.
The suspect was identified as Mrs. Rachael Samuel from Kelo in Chad’s Chari-Baguirmi Province.
According to acting military information officer Mohammed Goni, the following items were recovered:
- 7 compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa, about 30kg
- 2 containers of hydromercuric chloride, locally called “Suck and Die”
- 48 bottles of dry gin and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic drinks
- 1 mobile phone, 2 ATM cards, personal items, and cash
Goni said preliminary findings show the consignment was being taken to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbor terrorist elements. The street value of the seized goods is estimated in the millions of naira.
The suspect is currently in military custody. The items have been secured and will be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation and prosecution.
Goni added that terrorist groups often use drugs and intoxicants to boost fighters and enable attacks. He said stopping this delivery disrupts a key part of their supply chain.
The Theatre Command praised the troops for their vigilance and said operations to cut off terrorists and their collaborators will continue. It also urged residents to keep sharing timely information with security agencies to help restore peace in the North East.
