Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) under Operation HADIN KAI have disrupted an illicit drug supply network in the North East as part of ongoing security operations.
The military said the operation was carried out under Operation DESERT SANITY V and targeted criminal networks linked to terrorist activities in the region.
Acting on credible intelligence on January 23, 2026, troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested a suspected drug dealer, Hauwa Abulazeez, aged 65, in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspect is alleged to be a supplier of cannabis sativa to Boko Haram terrorists operating in parts of Askira Uba and surrounding communities.
Military sources said the drugs were distributed across several locations, including Rumirgo, Gwahi, Wamdiyo, Uvu and Gaya.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the illicit substance was sourced from Sarti Baruwa Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The drugs were transported through established routes for onward distribution within the North East theatre of operations.
During the operation, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recovered 14 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa.
The recovered drugs were estimated to weigh about 30 kilograms.
The military described the seizure as a major interception aimed at cutting off supplies used to support terrorism and criminal activities.
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing preliminary investigation.
Follow-up operations are ongoing to identify and dismantle other members of the drug trafficking network.
According to the military, denying criminal groups access to illicit supply chains helps reduce violence and instability in the region.
The Joint Task Force said Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to eliminating all forms of criminality in the North East.
The military added that intelligence-driven operations will continue until lasting peace and stability are achieved.