By Ibrahim Muhammad
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have disrupted an illicit drug supply network allegedly linked to Boko Haram terrorists.
This was contained in a press statement by the Media Information Officer of the task force, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba issued to newsmen on Sunday.
He said,following a successful intelligence-driven operation, the troops, operating under Operation DESERT SANITY V, arrested a 65-year-old suspected drug dealer, Hauwa Abulazeez, on Saturday, at Askira Uba Local Government Area of the state.
He said, the suspect is believed to be a major supplier of cannabis sativa to terrorist elements operating in Askira Uba and neighbouring communities including Rumirgo, Gwahi, Wamdiyo, Uvu and Gaya.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly sourced the illicit drugs from Sarti Baruwa Local Government Area of Taraba State and transported them through established routes for distribution across several communities within the North East theatre of operation.
Items recovered during the operation include 14 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, weighing about 30 kilograms, which security sources described as a significant interception meant to sustain terrorist and criminal activities.
The suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing preliminary investigation, while follow-up operations are ongoing to track and dismantle the wider trafficking and distribution network.
The military said the operation highlights the importance of cutting off illicit supply chains that fuel terrorism, criminality and insecurity, noting that such actions contribute to improved security and the restoration of lawful authority in the region.
Operation HADIN KAI however reaffirmed its commitment to sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at eliminating all forms of criminality in the North East until lasting peace and stability are achieved.
