Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a 65-year-old woman in Borno State over her alleged involvement in supplying illicit drugs to Boko Haram terrorists operating in parts of the North East.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday, January 25, 2026, by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai.
According to the statement, the suspect, identified as Hauwa Abulazeez, was apprehended on January 23, 2026, in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, following actionable intelligence received by troops under Operation DESERT SANITY V.
Military authorities allege that Abulazeez was a key supplier of cannabis sativa to Boko Haram elements operating across several communities, including Askira Uba, Rumirgo, Gwahi, Wamdiyo, Uvu, and Gaya. She is also suspected to have played a central role in distributing the substance within the wider operational theatre.
During the operation, troops recovered 14 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, weighing approximately 30 kilograms. The military described the seizure as a major interception aimed at cutting off resources used to sustain terrorist and criminal activities in the region.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the illicit drugs were reportedly sourced from Sarti Baruwa Local Government Area of Taraba State and transported through established trafficking routes into Borno State for onward distribution.
The suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing preliminary investigation, while further operations are underway to identify and dismantle the broader trafficking network linked to the supply chain.
The Nigerian military has intensified intelligence-driven operations across the North East to disrupt not only armed insurgent groups but also the logistics and criminal networks that support them. Authorities say targeting drug trafficking and other illicit supply routes is critical to weakening terrorist operations and restoring stability in affected communities.
Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal and terrorist networks, stressing that troops will continue coordinated operations until lasting peace and security are achieved across the region.
Source: Africa Publicity
