Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper’s Informant, Recover AK-47 Rifle, Vehicle

Troops of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have apprehended a suspected kidnapper’s informant, recovered an AK-47 rifle, and a vehicle in two separate operations.

The informant identified as Grace Markus was arrested for reportedly aiding kidnappers and criminal elements in the area.

A press statement by the Acting Assistant Director, 6 Brigade Army public relations, Captain Olubodunde Oni, said she was arrested on September 6th 2024 following the abduction of one Mallam Saidu in his place of abode at Vesee community of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State in an intelligence led operation.

“She is 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.”

In a related operation in the late hours of 5 September 2024, troops of 6 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 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.

The army said 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 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 reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against all forms of criminality within Taraba State and its environs.