By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a 65-year-old woman, Hauwa Abulazeez, for allegedly supplying cannabis to Boko Haram terrorists during a security operation conducted on Friday, 23 January, 2026, in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The arrest was confirmed on Sunday, 25 January, 2026 by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Sani Uba, who said the suspect was believed to be a key link in the drug supply chain sustaining terrorist operations in the area.
According to the military, Abulazeez allegedly supplied illicit drugs to insurgents operating in Askira Uba, Rumirgo, Gwahi, Wamdiyo, Uvu and Gaya communities.
Uba said preliminary investigations showed that the suspect sourced the cannabis from Sarti Baruwa Local Government Area of Taraba State and transported it through established supply routes into Borno.
“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,” the statement said.
During the operation, troops recovered 14 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa with an estimated total weight of about 30 kilograms.
The army described the seizure as a significant disruption of an illicit logistics network intended to sustain terrorism, criminality and instability in the region.
The suspect is currently in custody undergoing preliminary investigation, while follow-up operations are ongoing to identify and dismantle other members of the trafficking network.
The military noted that cutting off illicit supply chains remains central to weakening terrorist groups and restoring security across the North-East.
“The interception underscores the broader impact of denying illicit supply chains that fuel violence, criminality and instability,” Uba said.
He added that Operation Hadin Kai remains committed to sustained, intelligence-driven operations aimed at denying criminal networks the space, resources and freedom required to operate.
“Troops will continue to apply pressure across the theatre until lasting peace and stability are achieved,” the statement added.
