Nigerian Army Nabs Informant, Girlfriend Of Notorious Kidnapper Terrorising Taraba, Benue

Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended one Grace Markus, a woman caught for allegedly spying for kidnappers in Taraba and Benue states.

Markus was accused of spying for kidnappers and facilitating the recent abduction of one Malam Saidu at Vesee in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

She was also accused of participating in multiple kidnap operations conducted by a notorious kidnapper known as Chen, around border communities in Taraba and Benue states.
Markus was picked up on September 6, 2024 in Sondi village in the Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State following actionable intelligence, according to the military.

Earlier in a related operation on September 5, troops patrolling the Wukari-Jalingo highway, intercepted a vehicle with one AK-47 rifle concealed in a door compartment.

This was disclosed in a statement on Saturday by the spokesperson for 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Jalingo, Captain Oni Olubodunde.

Olubodunde noted that the military operation was aimed at curbing violent crimes in Taraba State.

He 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.

“Investigation is still in progress to trace and arrest the suspect as well as to ascertain the involvement of individuals with the identity cards.”

“The Commander 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa while reacting to the successful operations, commended the troops for their professionalism and swift action, urging residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely information that could help prevent and combat criminal activities,” he said.