Nigerian Army Arrests Informant, Girlfriend Of Kidnapper Terrorizing Taraba, Benue

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a woman, Grace Markus, for allegedly acting as a spy for kidnappers operating in both Taraba and Benue states.

Markus has been implicated in assisting kidnappers, specifically in the recent abduction of Malam Saidu from Vesee, a community in Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.

She is also accused of being involved in several other kidnapping incidents carried out by a notorious kidnapper known as Chen, who has been terrorizing border communities between the two states.

Acting on credible intelligence, Markus was apprehended on September 6, 2024, in Sondi village, located within the Wukari LGA of Taraba State.

In a related operation, on September 5, Nigerian troops patrolling the Wukari-Jalingo highway intercepted a vehicle where they discovered an AK-47 rifle concealed in a door compartment.

The details were revealed in a statement on Saturday by Captain Oni Olubodunde, the spokesperson for the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army stationed in Jalingo.

He emphasized that the military’s recent actions were part of a broader effort to clamp down on violent crime in Taraba State.

Olubodunde said, “In a series of successful military operations aimed at curbing crime within Taraba State, troops of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have apprehended a suspected kidnappers’ informant, recovered an AK-47 rifle, and a vehicle in two separate operations.

“Following the recent abduction of one Malam Saidu at his residence at Vesee community in Ukum LGA of Benue State, troops of 6 Brigade in Sondi village of Wukari LGA of Taraba State conducted an intelligence-led operation on 6 September 2024 and arrested a suspected kidnappers informant named Miss Markus Grace for reportedly aiding kidnappers and criminal elements in the area.

“She is also confirmed to be a girlfriend of a notorious kidnapper named Chen who was reported to be terrorizing the general area. The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation to reveal the extent of her involvement in various criminal enterprises.

“Also, during a separate operation in the late hours on 5 September 2024, troops of the Brigade while on routine stop and search patrol in Bantaje town of Wukari LGA, flagged down a suspicious Blue Toyota Yaris vehicle with Registration Number, Taraba KLD 652 XA coming from Wukari and heading towards Jalingo. Upon being stopped, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into nearby bush.

“A thorough search of the abandoned vehicle led to discovery of an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine and 2 Identity Cards of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Mutum Biyu Branch of Gassol LGA of Taraba State bearing Isa Ibrahim and Mallam Isa Garin Tukura.”

According to the military, investigations are ongoing to apprehend the driver and to determine the connection between the individuals named on the identity cards and the criminal activities.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade, commended the troops for their swift and professional response, urging residents to continue cooperating with security forces by providing timely and relevant information to help combat crime in the region.

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