Troops arrest woman for allegedly aiding kidnappers, arms dealing
By Chuwang Dungs
Troops of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in Taraba State have arrested a woman for allegedly acting as an informant of kidnappers and arms dealers.
The brigade public relations officer in the Olubodunde Oni, in a press release on Saturday evening named the suspects as Grace Markus.
Mr Oni said the suspect was arrested by the operatives of the brigade on Friday in Sondi village of Wukari local government area, based on technical intelligence.
“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 kidnapper’s informant named Markus Grace for reportedly aiding kidnappers and criminal elements in the area.
“She is also confirmed to be a girlfriend to a notorious kidnapper named Chen who was reported to be terrorising the general area.
“The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation to reveal the extent of her involvement in various criminal enterprises.” The statement reads
Oni also disclosed that in another 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.
He said upon being stopped, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into nearby bushes.
“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 Isa Garin Tukura.
“Investigation is still in progress to trace and arrest the suspects as well as to ascertain the involvement of individuals with the identity cards.” Mr Oni stated.
The Commander 6 Brigade, Kingsley 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 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.
