On January 23, 2026, troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai arrested a 65-year-old woman identified as Hauwa Abulazeez for her alleged role in supplying illicit drugs to Boko Haram terrorists.

The arrest is being hailed as a major blow to the logistics and support networks that sustain insurgent activities in the North East.​Key Details of the Arrest​Location: The suspect was apprehended in the Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.​The Allegation: Abulazeez is accused of being a “key conduit” for the distribution of cannabis sativa (Indian hemp) to terrorist elements across several communities, including Askira Uba, Rumirgo, Gwahi, Wamdiyo, Uvu, and Gaya.​The Seizure: During the operation, troops recovered 14 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, weighing approximately 30 kilograms.​Supply Chain: Preliminary investigations suggest the suspect sourced the drugs from Sarti Baruwa in Taraba State and transported them through established routes into the conflict zones of Borno.​Context of the Operation​The arrest was part of Operation Desert Sanity V, a targeted military push to degrade the logistics capabilities of Boko Haram and ISWAP. Security experts often note that illicit drugs like cannabis and tramadol are frequently used by insurgents to maintain morale and suppress fear during combat operations.​The Nigerian Army, through its spokesperson Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, emphasized that cutting off these supply lines is just as critical as direct combat in ending the insurgency.​Note: The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further interrogation to uncover more links in the supply network.