Security Forces Apprehend Chadian Over Drug Supply to Lake Chad Insurgents

Troops from Sector 3 of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), recently apprehended a foreign citizen suspected of transporting a substantial quantity of illegal drugs, alcoholic drinks, and other banned items. These supplies were reportedly destined for terrorist factions active in the Lake Chad Islands, marking a significant move against insurgent supply lines. Concurrently, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), an arm of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in partnership with the UK National Crime Agency (UK-NCA), has scaled up its intelligence-driven multi-agency efforts. This expansion aims to bolster Nigeria's capacity to combat kidnapping, launching the second phase of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAAKFC) State Expansion Programme.

Military authorities stated that this intelligence-led operation represents a crucial advancement in the continuous efforts to disrupt the logistical support networks sustaining terrorist organisations throughout the North East. Captain Mohammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer for the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, confirmed in a press release that troops achieved another key operational success during a thorough search conducted along the Maiduguri–Monguno route. The statement detailed that a suspicious vehicle heading towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Borno State's Kukawa Local Government Area was stopped by the soldiers. They subsequently arrested 48-year-old Mrs. Rachael Samuel, identified as a Chadian national from Kelo in the Chari-Baguirmi Province of the Republic of Chad. Initial inquiries suggest these banned goods were en route to various points within the Lake Chad Islands, a region notorious for sheltering terrorist groups.

Among the items seized from Mrs. Samuel were seven tightly packed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa, weighing around 30 kilogrammes. Also found were two 10-litre containers of hydro mercuric chloride, commonly referred to as “Suck and Die,” a carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin, and 61 bottles of various herbal alcoholic beverages. The combined street value of these confiscated items is estimated to be in the millions of naira. Additionally, a mobile phone, two ATM cards, personal belongings, and an undisclosed amount of cash were recovered. The detained suspect remains in military custody, and all seized evidence has been secured. It will be transferred to the relevant law enforcement agency for further investigation and legal action as per existing laws. The military emphasized that this interception highlights Operation Hadin Kai’s unwavering resolve to cut off terrorist groups from the logistical support and supplies critical to their operations.

The statement further noted that intelligence reports consistently indicate that illegal drugs and intoxicants are often employed by terrorist organisations to energise their fighters, diminish fear, and enable violent acts. The successful interception of this consignment before delivery effectively dismantled another vital element of the terrorists' operational support system. The Theatre Command lauded the troops for their alertness and professional conduct, reassuring the public of continued relentless operations against terrorists and their accomplices. The public was also encouraged to persist in providing prompt and reliable information to security agencies, aiding the ongoing efforts to establish enduring peace and security across the North East region.

Meanwhile, during the launch of the programme and an associated stakeholders' meeting in Abuja, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, reiterated the federal government's dedication to enhancing intelligence-driven collaboration in combating kidnapping and organised crime nationwide. Speaking through Major General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the NSA highlighted that kidnapping persists as a significant security concern in Nigeria, with criminal organisations increasingly using advanced methods, leveraging technology, and operating across various regions. Major General Laka, whose speech was presented by Brigadier General Peter Gbor, the Director of Intelligence, emphasised that addressing this evolving threat necessitates continuous inter-agency cooperation, prompt intelligence exchange, and synchronised operational strategies. He elaborated that the creation of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAAKFC) has substantially improved intelligence synthesis, operational alignment, geospatial analysis, and information dissemination among security bodies. This has resulted in dismantling kidnapping syndicates, executing successful rescue missions, and bolstering investigative capacities.

A statement from Abu Michael, Head of Strategic Communication at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), indicated that the gathering included delegates from security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies, various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), alongside international allies such as the British High Commission. The initiative, backed by the United Kingdom National Crime Agency (UK-NCA), was designed to assess advancements, reinforce operational harmony, and elevate Nigeria's nationwide strategy against kidnapping. Ribadu acknowledged considerable progress but stressed that ongoing collaboration is vital to addressing operational weaknesses exploited by criminals. He implored attendees of the stakeholders' meeting to thoroughly evaluate current challenges, standardise operational methods, fortify investigation and prosecution frameworks, and formulate actionable recommendations. These measures are intended to further improve Nigeria's ability to prevent abductions and safeguard its populace.

Mr. Matt Mountain, the NCA International Liaison Officer, in his address, reiterated the United Kingdom's steadfast alliance with Nigeria in the fight against serious and organised crime. He praised Nigerian security agencies for their professionalism, bravery, and commitment in handling kidnapping cases, even amidst growing operational complexities. Mountain pointed out that effective anti-kidnapping efforts originate at the state level, where preliminary intelligence collection, tactical choices, and interaction with victims' families frequently occur. Mountain explained that bolstering the connection between state commands and the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell would accelerate intelligence sharing, refine operational synergy, augment assistance for victims' families, and boost the success rate of rescue missions, all while ensuring perpetrators face justice. He further affirmed the United Kingdom's dedication to backing Nigerian-led initiatives through tangible cooperation, professional exchanges, and capacity development, always respecting Nigeria's autonomy in tackling its security issues.

Earlier, during his welcoming remarks, the Director of Intelligence underscored that kidnapping has transformed from merely a public safety threat into a substantial funding source for both terrorist and organised criminal entities. He clarified that the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell, which the National Security Adviser activated on December 19, 2024, now serves as an essential hub for intelligence integration, response coordination, and providing advanced technical support to security agencies. He stated that this second phase of the State Expansion Programme aims to leverage the achievements of its initial launch by fortifying communication pathways between state operational commanders and the Fusion Cell. Participants are slated to receive rigorous Kidnap Management Training, structured around the United Nations Kidnap Manual. Additionally, they will review the Cell’s Standard Operating Procedures and Terms of Reference, all geared towards boosting operational efficiency across the nation.