By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded another major operational success with the disruption of an illicit drug supply network believed to be linked to terrorist activities in the region.
The breakthrough was achieved during ongoing operations under Operation DESERT SANITY V, when troops arrested a 65-year-old suspected drug dealer, Hauwa Abulazeez, in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Military sources disclosed that the suspect is alleged to be a key supplier of cannabis sativa to Boko Haram terrorist elements operating across Askira Uba, Rumirgo, Gwahi, Wamdiyo, Uvu and Gaya communities. She is also believed to have served as a major distribution conduit for the illicit substance within several parts of the operational theatre.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly sourced the drugs from Sarti Baruwa Local Government Area of Taraba State and transported them through established supply routes for onward distribution. During the operation, troops recovered 14 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, with an estimated total weight of about 30 kilograms.
The suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing preliminary investigation, while further operations are underway to identify, track and dismantle the wider trafficking network associated with the illegal trade.
The military described the interception as a significant blow to criminal and terrorist logistics, noting that cutting off illicit supply chains remains critical to degrading insurgent capabilities, reducing criminal influence and improving overall security across the North East.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustained, intelligence-driven operations aimed at eliminating all forms of criminality in the region. According to the military, troops will continue to deny terrorist and criminal networks the resources, freedom and operating space required to thrive, until lasting peace and stability are restored.
