Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended a woman, identified as Grace Markus, for allegedly acting as a spy for kidnappers operating across Taraba and Benue States. Markus has been accused of aiding kidnappers, including her involvement in the recent abduction of Malam Saidu, a resident of Vesee community in Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
Markus is also linked to a notorious kidnapper known as Chen, who has been terrorizing the border communities between Taraba and Benue states. Acting on credible intelligence, the army arrested Markus on September 6, 2024, in Sondi village, located within Wukari LGA of Taraba State.
In a related operation, on September 5, Nigerian troops patrolling the Wukari-Jalingo highway intercepted a vehicle and discovered an AK-47 rifle concealed in a door compartment. The vehicle was abandoned by its driver after being flagged down by the troops.
The details of these operations were disclosed in a statement by Captain Oni Olubodunde, spokesperson for the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army stationed in Jalingo. He explained that the arrests were part of a broader effort by the military to curb violent crime in Taraba State.
“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 seized a vehicle in two separate operations,” Olubodunde said.
According to the statement, Markus is suspected of being a close associate of the notorious kidnapper Chen, who has been terrorizing the general area. She is currently in custody undergoing further investigation to determine her involvement in various criminal enterprises.
Additionally, during the stop-and-search operation in Bantaje town, Wukari LGA, troops flagged down a suspicious Blue Toyota Yaris vehicle, registered as Taraba KLD 652 XA. The driver abandoned the car and fled into the nearby bush, prompting a search that led to the discovery of an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and two identity cards belonging to individuals from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Mutum Biyu Branch, Gassol LGA, Taraba State.
The commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the troops for their swift and professional actions. He urged local residents to continue cooperating with security forces by providing timely and accurate information that could aid in combating crime in the region. Investigations are ongoing to locate the driver and establish the connection between the individuals identified in the recovered ID cards and the criminal activities in the area.
These operations underscore the military’s commitment to dismantling kidnapping rings and enhancing security across Taraba and Benue States.
