Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have disrupted an illicit drug supply network linked to terrorist activities in the North East, arresting a suspected dealer in Borno State.
The arrest was made on Jan. 23, 2026, under Operation Desert Sanity V, following credible intelligence, according to the military.
The suspect, Hauwa Abulazeez, aged 65, was apprehended in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno. She is alleged to be a major supplier of cannabis sativa to Boko Haram terrorist elements operating in parts of Askira-Uba and neighbouring communities, including Rumirgo, Gwahi, Wamdiyo, Uvu and Gaya.
Preliminary investigations by troops revealed that the suspect allegedly sourced the illicit drugs from Sarti Baruwa Local Government Area of Taraba State and transported them through established supply routes for distribution across several communities within the theatre of operation.
During the operation, troops recovered 14 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, with an estimated total weight of about 30 kilogrammes, believed to be intended to support terrorist and other criminal activities.
The suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing preliminary investigation, while follow-up operations are ongoing to identify and dismantle the wider drug trafficking and distribution network.
The military said the interception highlights the importance of cutting off illicit supply chains that fuel terrorism, criminality and instability in the region.
It added that Operation Hadin Kai remains committed to sustained, intelligence-driven operations aimed at denying criminal networks the resources and freedom required to operate, until lasting peace and stability are restored in the North East.
The information was contained in a statement signed by Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai.
