65-Year-Old Suspected Drug Supplier To Terrorists Arrested In Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), under Operation DESERT SANITY V, have recorded another operational success in their ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist logistics and criminal support networks in the North East.

Acting on credible intelligence on 23 January 2026, troops arrested a suspected drug dealer, Hauwa Abulazeez, aged 65, in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. The suspect is believed to be a key supplier of cannabis sativa to Boko Haram terrorist elements operating across Askira Uba, Rumirgo, Gwahi, Wamdiyo, Uvu, and Gaya communities.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the illicit substance was allegedly sourced from Sarti Baruwa LGA of Taraba State and transported through established trafficking routes for distribution across several communities within the theatre of operations.

During the arrest, troops recovered 14 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, with an estimated total weight of approximately 30 kilograms, representing a significant interception intended to sustain terrorist and criminal activities.

The suspect is currently in military custody undergoing preliminary investigation, while follow-up operations are ongoing to identify, track, and dismantle the wider drug trafficking network involved.

The successful interception highlights the strategic importance of denying criminal and terrorist groups access to illicit supply chains that fuel violence, instability, and insecurity. Military authorities note that disrupting such networks contributes to improved security conditions and the restoration of lawful authority across affected communities.

Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating all forms of criminality in the North East, emphasizing that sustained intelligence-driven operations will continue until lasting peace and stability are achieved in the region.