Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a 65-year-old woman, Hauwa Abulazeez, for allegedly supplying drugs to Boko Haram terrorists operating in Nigeria’s North-East.
The arrest was carried out by personnel of the Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, following actionable intelligence.
Confirming the development in a statement on Sunday, the Media Information Officer of the operation, Lt-Col Sanni Uba, said the suspect played a central role in sustaining terrorist logistics through drug supply.
According to the statement, Abulazeez was allegedly responsible for supplying cannabis sativa to Boko Haram elements operating across Askira Uba, Rumirgo, Gwahi, Wamdiyo, Uvu and Gaya communities, serving as a key link in the distribution chain.
“Troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), under Operation Desert Sanity V, have recorded another significant success in efforts to degrade terrorist logistics and criminal support networks in the North-East.
“Acting on credible intelligence on January 23, 2026, troops arrested a suspected drug dealer, Hauwa Abulazeez, aged 65, in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
“The suspect is alleged to be one of the suppliers of cannabis sativa to Boko Haram terrorist elements operating in Askira Uba, Rumirgo, Gwahi, Wamdiyo, Uvu and Gaya, and a key conduit in the distribution of the substance across several communities within the theatre.”
Uba disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed the suspect sourced the illicit drugs from Sarti Baruwa Local Government Area of Taraba State before transporting them through established supply routes into Borno.
“During the operation, 14 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, with an estimated total weight of about 30 kilogrammes, were recovered, representing a significant interception intended to sustain illicit activities,” he said.
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing preliminary investigation, while troops intensify follow-up operations aimed at dismantling the wider drug trafficking and terrorist support network.
The Army noted that disrupting illicit supply chains remains critical to weakening terrorism and restoring stability in the region.
“By disrupting these networks, the operation contributes to improved security conditions, reduced criminal influence, and the reinforcement of lawful authority and order across the region,” the statement added.
Uba reaffirmed the military’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations until criminal networks are completely neutralised.
“Through sustained intelligence-driven operations and continuous pressure across the theatre, troops will persist in denying criminal networks the space, resources and freedom required to operate until enduring peace and stability are achieved,” he said.
