Army Disrupts Terror Supply Chain as Elderly Woman Is Nabbed Over Drug Link to Boko Haram
Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai, on January 23, 2026, in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, arrested a 65-year-old woman, Hauwa Abulazeez, over allegations that she was supplying illicit drugs to Boko Haram insurgents, in a move aimed at weakening the terrorists’ logistical and criminal support networks.
The arrest, which was made public on Sunday, is being viewed by military authorities as a strategic blow against non-combat channels that sustain insurgent operations in the North-East.
According to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt-Col Sanni Uba, the suspect is believed to have played a central role in the movement and distribution of cannabis sativa to Boko Haram elements operating across several communities in southern Borno.
Uba explained that intelligence-led operations pointed to Abulazeez as a key intermediary linking drug sources outside the state to insurgent-controlled and affected areas within the theatre of operation, including Askira Uba, Rumirgo, Gwahi, Wamdiyo, Uvu and Gaya.
Providing details of the operation, the military spokesman said,
“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.”
Preliminary findings, according to the army, suggest that the illicit drugs were sourced from Sarti Baruwa Local Government Area of Taraba State and transported along established routes before reaching end users in Borno.
During the arrest, troops recovered 14 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilogrammes. Uba noted that the seizure prevented a sizeable quantity of illegal substances from reaching criminal and terrorist networks.
“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 remains in military custody as investigations continue, while security forces are expanding operations to trace and dismantle other members of the alleged trafficking and distribution network.
The army said the development highlights the critical role of cutting off illegal supply chains that enable violence and instability in the region, stressing that sustained pressure on such networks contributes to restoring order and strengthening security.
Reaffirming the military’s resolve, Uba stated,
“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.”
