Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a 65-year-old woman, Hauwa Abulazeez, for her alleged role in supplying illicit drugs to Boko Haram insurgents operating in Nigeria’s North-East region.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesman of the Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant-Colonel Sani Uba.
According to him, the suspect was apprehended in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State during a targeted military operation.
Uba explained that the suspect is believed to be a major supplier of cannabis sativa to Boko Haram terrorist elements active in Askira Uba, Rumirgo, Gwahi, Wamdiyo, Uvu and Gaya communities.
He described her as a central figure in the distribution chain, allegedly facilitating the movement of the substance across multiple locations within the military theatre of operations.
“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,” the statement said.
“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 investigations indicate that the suspect sourced the illicit substance from Sarti Baruwa LGA of Taraba State and transported it through established supply routes for onward distribution.”
During the operation, troops recovered 14 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, estimated to weigh about 30 kilograms in total. The seizure, according to the military, represents a major disruption of supplies allegedly intended to support terrorist activities.
Uba said the suspect remains in military custody and is undergoing preliminary interrogation, while additional operations are underway to trace and dismantle the broader trafficking and distribution network linked to the case.
What you should know
The arrest highlights the military’s continued focus on cutting off logistical and financial lifelines that sustain Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East.
Beyond weapons and cash, narcotics trafficking is increasingly seen as a key support mechanism for terrorist operations, helping to fund activities and maintain influence within local communities.
By intercepting alleged drug suppliers and dismantling distribution networks, Operation Hadin Kai aims to weaken insurgent capacity and restore security across affected areas of Borno and neighbouring states.
The operation also underscores the growing role of intelligence-led missions in counter-terrorism efforts.
