Chadian woman arrested by Nigerian troops over alleged supply of drugs and alcohol to terrorists
A Chadian woman has been arrested by troops of Operation Hadin Kai while allegedly transporting illicit drugs and alcoholic beverages believed to be intended for terrorist groups operating in Borno State.
The arrest was made on Thursday during a routine search operation along the Maiduguri-Monguno highway in Borno State. According to a statement by Mohammed Goni, the acting Military information officer at the headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North- East), the troops stopped a vehicle heading towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area, where the suspect was found with prohibited items.
“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 woman is being held by the military while the recovered substances have been secured. He added that the exhibits will be transferred to the appropriate law enforcement agency to facilitate further investigation and possible prosecution.
He noted that the operation reflects the military’s continued efforts to disrupt the supply channels that provide logistics and other materials to the terrorist groups in the North- East.
Goni also explained that intelligence gathered by security agencies indicates that insurgents often depend on illicit drugs and intoxicating substances to embolden fighters, reduce fear and aid their operations during attacks.
