Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman suspected of supplying illicit drugs, alcohol and other prohibited items to terrorists operating in the Lake Chad region.

The suspect, identified as Mrs. Rachael Samuel, was apprehended by troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, during an intelligence-led operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno highway on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the suspect was intercepted while travelling to Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The military said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle logistics networks supporting terrorist groups in the North East.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the recovered items were allegedly being transported to terrorist hideouts within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known for insurgent activities.

Among the items recovered were seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis weighing about 30 kilograms, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, commonly referred to as "Suck and Die," one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin, and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages. The military said the items are valued at several million naira.

Troops also recovered a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, cash and other personal belongings from the suspect.

Mrs. Samuel is currently in military custody, while the recovered exhibits have been secured and will be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Operation HADIN KAI said the interception represents another setback for terrorist supply chains, noting that intelligence has consistently shown that insurgent groups rely on illicit drugs and intoxicants to embolden fighters and facilitate violent operations.

The Theatre Command commended the troops for their professionalism and vigilance, reaffirming its commitment to sustaining operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks across the North East.

The military also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could aid ongoing counterterrorism efforts.