Author: Gist Correspondent

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested a 65-year-old woman, Hauwa Abulazeez, for allegedly supplying illicit drugs to Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.

The suspect was apprehended on January 23, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation under Operation DESERT SANITY V in Askira Uba Local Government Area, military sources said.

According to preliminary investigations, Abulazeez is believed to be a key supplier of cannabis sativa to Boko Haram operatives across Askira Uba, Rumirgo, Gwahi, Wamdiyo, Uvu, and Gaya communities. She also reportedly facilitated the distribution of the substance within several locations in the North East.

Military sources disclosed that the cannabis was allegedly sourced from Sarti Baruwa in Taraba State and transported through established trafficking routes to sustain terrorist activities and criminal operations in the region.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, confirmed on January 25, 2026, that troops recovered 14 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, weighing approximately 30 kilograms.

The suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing preliminary investigation, while follow-up operations continue to identify and dismantle the wider network supplying drugs to terrorist elements.

Military authorities said the arrest demonstrates ongoing efforts to disrupt not only Boko Haram’s combat capabilities but also their logistics and support structures, including illicit drug supply chains.

The military reaffirmed that Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to intelligence-driven operations aimed at denying terrorists and criminal networks the resources, space, and freedom to operate, until lasting peace and security are restored across the North East.