A major supply chain allegedly fueling terrorism in Katsina State has been disrupted after troops of the Nigerian Army, working with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, arrested three suspected drug dealers accused of supplying hard drugs and intoxicants to terrorists and other criminal elements.
The suspects were nabbed during a coordinated raid on suspected drug distribution points in Kagara village, Kafur Local Government Area, at about 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday.
The operation, carried out by troops of the Forward Operating Base, Malumfashi, alongside personnel of the NDLEA Area Command, Malumfashi, formed part of an intensified crackdown on logistics networks believed to be sustaining terrorist and bandit activities across the state.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama, who disclosed the operation on X, quoted security sources as saying the raid was based on intelligence that the suspects were supplying illicit substances to armed groups operating within Kafur and neighbouring communities.
Those arrested were identified as Mohammed Lawan, 34; Muhawiya Haruna, 40; and Junadata Usman, 40.
During the operation, security operatives recovered a cache of suspected illicit substances, including cannabis sativa, tramadol capsules, pregabalin, diazepam, Extol-5 tablets, rubber solution and the locally known intoxicant, “Suck and Die” spirit.
According to the sources, preliminary investigations linked the suspects to the distribution of hard drugs and other intoxicants allegedly consumed by terrorists and other criminal gangs to enhance their operations.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits have since been handed over to the NDLEA Area Command in Malumfashi for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The latest operation underscores the growing resolve of security agencies to target not only armed terrorists but also the networks believed to be providing them with drugs, logistics and other forms of support in a bid to weaken their operational capacity across Katsina State.
