Troops arrest female Kidnappers’ informant in Taraba, recover ammunition

Men of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in Taraba State have arrested Miss Markus Grace, a suspected Kidnapper’s informant.

The troops also recovered an AK-47 rifle, and a vehicle in two separate operations.

In a press statement signed by the Acting Assistant Director 6 Brigade Army Public Relations Captain Olubodunde Oni said Miss Markus Grace confessed during an interrogation to be a girlfriend to a notorious kidnapper named Chen who was reported to be terrorising Wukari/Benue bordering communities.

He explained that the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation to reveal the extent of her involvement in various criminal enterprises.

According to the statement following the recent abduction of one Malam Saidu at his residence at Vesee community in Ukum LGA of Benue State, the 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 kidnapper’s informant named Miss Markus Grace for reportedly aiding kidnappers and criminal elements in the area.

The statement added in the late hours on 5 September 2024, troops of the Bde 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 bushes.

Oni said a thorough search of the abandoned vehicle led to discovery of an AK-47 rifle, an AK47 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.

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

Meanwhile the Commander 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa has reacted to the successful operations of the troop.

He commended them 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 further assured the public that 6 Brigade remains committed to its mission of maintaining peace and security and reiterates its zero-tolerance stance against all forms of criminality within Taraba State and its environs.