Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have foiled multiple attempts by suspected ISWAP terrorists to infiltrate parts of Maiduguri, Borno State, while also arresting a suspected foreign drug courier believed to be supplying terrorist groups.
According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPHK, Captain Mohammed Goni, the coordinated attacks occurred in the early hours of July 10, targeting Muna Garage, Shuwari Village, Ajilari Cross, Miringa and Dutsen Kura.
The troops reportedly detected the advancing terrorists early and engaged them with heavy firepower, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee.
“The terrorists were forced to abandon their mission and retreat in confusion across all locations,” Goni said.
He added that during the pursuit at Miringa, a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle triggered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), but no soldier was injured.
In a separate operation, troops intercepted a 48-year-old Chadian national, Mrs. Rachael Samuel, along the Maiduguri–Monguno road, while allegedly transporting illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited items believed to be destined for terrorist camps in the Lake Chad Islands.
Recovered items included about 30kg of suspected cannabis, containers of a substance known as “Suck and Die,” several bottles of alcoholic drinks, cash, ATM cards and a mobile phone.
According to the military, intelligence indicates that such substances are commonly used by terrorist groups to enhance combat readiness and support their operations.
The suspect remains in military custody, while investigations continue. The military also urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support ongoing operations against terrorism in the North-East.
Source: Operation HADIN KAI.
