Nigerian Army Troops Arrest Elderly Woman for Alleged Drug Supply to Boko Haram in North East
In a significant operation aimed at dismantling criminal networks, troops of the Nigerian Army's Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a 65-year-old woman suspected of supplying illicit drugs to Boko Haram terrorists in the North East region. The arrest marks a crucial step in disrupting the logistics and support systems that fuel terrorism in the area.
Details of the Arrest and Recovery
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday, January 25, 2026. According to the statement, the suspect, identified as Hauwa Abulazeez, was apprehended in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on January 23, 2026, following credible intelligence.
During the operation, which was part of Operation DESERT SANITY V, troops recovered 14 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, with an estimated total weight of approximately 30 kilograms. This seizure represents a major interception intended to sustain the illicit activities of terrorist groups in the region.
Alleged Role in Terrorist Logistics
Preliminary investigations indicate that Hauwa Abulazeez is allegedly one of the key suppliers of cannabis sativa to Boko Haram terrorist elements operating in Borno State. The statement further revealed that she sourced the illicit substance from Sarti Baruwa Local Government Area in Taraba State and transported it through established supply routes for distribution across several communities.
Her alleged network extended through areas such as Askira Uba, Rumirgo, Gwahi, Wamdiyo, Uvu, and Gaya, making her a significant conduit in the distribution chain. This highlights the sophisticated nature of the criminal support systems that the military is working to dismantle.
Impact on Security and Ongoing Efforts
The interception underscores the broader impact of denying illicit supply chains that contribute to violence, criminality, and instability in the North East. By disrupting these networks, the operation aims to improve security conditions, reduce criminal influence, and reinforce lawful authority across the region.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba emphasized that the suspect is currently in custody undergoing preliminary investigation. Follow-up actions are ongoing to identify and dismantle the wider network involved in the trafficking and distribution of the substance. The Nigerian Army remains committed to confronting and eliminating all forms of criminality in the North East through sustained intelligence-driven operations.
Operation HADIN KAI continues to apply continuous pressure across the theatre to deny criminal networks the space, resources, and freedom required to operate, with the ultimate goal of achieving enduring peace and stability.
