Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have arrested a 65-year-old woman, Hauwa Abdulazeez, for allegedly supplying cannabis sativa, commonly known as Indian hemp, to Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.
The Nigerian Army disclosed that the arrest marks another significant success in its ongoing efforts to degrade terrorist logistics and dismantle criminal support networks across the North East.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said the suspect was arrested on January 23, 2026, in Askira Uba Local Government Area following credible intelligence.
According to him, Abdulazeez is suspected to be a major supplier of cannabis sativa to Boko Haram elements operating in Askira Uba, Rumirgo, Gwahi, Wamdiyo, Uvu, and Gaya, and a key conduit in the distribution of the illicit substance across several communities within the theatre of operation.
Lt. Col. Uba revealed that preliminary investigations showed the suspect allegedly sourced the drugs from Sarti Baruwa Local Government Area of Taraba State, transporting them through established supply routes for onward distribution.
He added that during the operation, troops recovered 14 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, weighing approximately 30 kilogrammes, describing the seizure as a major interception aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics.
The Army spokesman said the suspect is currently in custody undergoing preliminary investigation, while follow-up operations are ongoing to identify and dismantle the wider drug trafficking network.
Uba noted that the interception highlights the importance of cutting off illicit supply chains that fuel violence, criminality, and instability, stressing that such actions contribute to improved security, reduced criminal influence, and the reinforcement of law and order across the region.
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