Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a woman identified as Grace Markus, who is accused of spying for kidnappers in Taraba and Benue states.
Markus is alleged to have been involved in the recent abduction of Malam Saidu in Vesee, located in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. Additionally, she is accused of collaborating in several kidnapping operations led by a notorious kidnapper known as Chen, who operates around the border areas of Taraba and Benue states.
The arrest of Markus took place on September 6, 2024, in Sondi village, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, following credible intelligence, according to the Nigerian Army.
In a related operation on September 5, troops patrolling the Wukari-Jalingo highway intercepted a vehicle and discovered an AK-47 rifle hidden in a door compartment.
These details were revealed in a statement issued on Saturday by Captain Oni Olubodunde, spokesperson for the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Jalingo.
Olubodunde stated that the operations were part of ongoing efforts to reduce violent crimes in Taraba State.
“In a series of successful military operations aimed at curbing crime in Taraba State, troops of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) apprehended a suspected informant for kidnappers and recovered an AK-47 rifle and a vehicle in two separate operations,” Olubodunde said.
He further explained that after the abduction of Malam Saidu at his home in Vesee, Ukum LGA of Benue State, the 6 Brigade conducted an intelligence-driven operation in Sondi village, Wukari LGA, Taraba State, on September 6, 2024, leading to the arrest of Markus. She is accused of aiding kidnappers and other criminal groups in the area and is reportedly the girlfriend of the notorious kidnapper Chen, who has been terrorizing the region. Markus is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation to determine her full involvement in criminal activities.
In a separate operation on September 5, 2024, troops conducting a routine stop-and-search patrol in Bantaje, Wukari LGA, stopped a suspicious blue Toyota Yaris vehicle with the registration number Taraba KLD 652 XA, which was traveling from Wukari toward Jalingo. The driver fled into the nearby bush, abandoning the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, and two identity cards from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mutum Biyu Branch, Gassol LGA, Taraba State, bearing the names Isa Ibrahim and Mallam Isa Garin Tukura.
Investigations are ongoing to track down the driver and ascertain the connection of the individuals named on the identity cards.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade, praised the troops for their professionalism and quick response. He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely information to help prevent and combat criminal activities.