EXCERPT:Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have dismantled a major illicit drug supply network believed to be supporting terrorist activities in the region, following the arrest of a key suspect during an intelligence-led operation.
The breakthrough, recorded under Operation Desert Sanity V, led to the arrest of a 65-year-old woman, Hauwa Abulazeez, in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Military authorities said the suspect is alleged to be a major supplier of cannabis sativa to Boko Haram terrorist elements operating across several communities within the North East theatre.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly supplied the illicit substance to terrorist cells in Askira Uba, Rumirgo, Gwahi, Wamdiyo, Uvu and Gaya, serving as a critical link in the drug distribution chain across multiple communities.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said the arrest followed credible intelligence received on January 23, 2026.
He disclosed that investigations showed the suspect sourced the cannabis from Sarti Baruwa Local Government Area of Taraba State and transported it through established supply routes for onward distribution.
During the operation, troops recovered 14 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, weighing about 30 kilograms. The military said the seizure significantly disrupted supply lines meant to sustain terrorist and criminal activities.
“The suspect is currently in custody undergoing preliminary investigation, while follow-up operations are ongoing to identify and dismantle the wider trafficking network,” Lieutenant Colonel Uba said.
He added that disrupting illicit supply chains remains central to weakening terrorist logistics, reducing criminal influence and reinforcing lawful authority across the North East.
Meanwhile, in a related development, troops of the 8 Division Garrison Strike Force operating under Operation Fansan Yamma, Sector 2, recorded major successes against terrorists in Zamfara State.
In a statement, the Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Captain David Adewusi, said the troops conducted a sustained offensive within the Sububu Forest in Maradun Local Government Area.
The operation began with a targeted engagement at Indulumu village, where troops neutralised two terrorists after a fierce exchange of fire and recovered one AK-47 rifle.
Advancing to Ruduno village, the Strike Force encountered further resistance and neutralised four additional terrorists. Troops recovered another AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and destroyed two motorcycles used for terrorist mobility.
Captain Adewusi added that during exploitation of the forest, troops rescued an underage kidnapped victim, Halira Ibrahim, bringing an end to her captivity.
He said several terrorist camps and life-support structures were also destroyed in Magaji, Galakaje, Filinga and Kukatara, significantly degrading the terrorists’ ability to regroup and operate.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustained, intelligence-driven operations aimed at denying terrorist and criminal elements freedom of action and restoring lasting security across affected communities.
Linus Aleke in Abuja
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