Security Forces Disrupt Boko Haram Supply Chain as Elderly Woman Arrested in Borno Drug Bust
Nigerian Security Forces have recorded a significant operational success in the ongoing counterinsurgency campaign in the North-East with the arrest of a 65-year-old woman accused of supplying illicit drugs to Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.
Global Mirror News gathered that the suspect, identified as Hauwa Abulazeez, was arrested on January 23, 2026, by troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, during a carefully coordinated intelligence-led operation. The arrest was carried out under Operation Desert Sanity V in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Military sources disclosed that Abulazeez is suspected to be a major supplier of cannabis sativa to Boko Haram elements operating within several communities across southern Borno.
These locations reportedly include Askira Uba, Rumirgo, Gwahi, Wamdiyo, Uvu, and Gaya. Security officials described her alleged role as critical to sustaining the operational capacity of terrorist cells by supplying substances believed to be used to boost endurance and morale among fighters.
Investigations further revealed that the suspect allegedly served as a key link in a wider drug distribution chain within the North-East theatre.
According to intelligence reports, she is believed to have sourced the cannabis from Sarti Baruwa Local Government Area of Taraba State and transported it through established trafficking corridors into Borno State. The drugs were allegedly distributed not only to Boko Haram operatives but also to other criminal networks within the region.
Confirming the arrest, the Media Information Officer at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said troops recovered 14 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa from the suspect during the operation.
He noted that the arrest was part of sustained efforts to dismantle the logistics and support structures that enable terrorist activities beyond direct combat.
Security officials stressed that cutting off supply chains—particularly those involving illicit drugs, food, fuel, and medical items—remains a key component of the Military’s strategy to weaken insurgent groups operating in the region.
They added that investigations are ongoing to identify collaborators, financiers, and transporters connected to the alleged drug supply network.
The arrest comes amid intensified military operations aimed at degrading Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) capabilities across the North-East. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to pursuing both armed elements and civilian accomplices involved in sustaining terrorism.
