By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka in Mbo Local Council of Akwa Ibom has arrested two suspected cultists in the area.
The Commanding Officer, Capt. Uche Aneke stated this while handing over the suspects to the Department of State Services, Akwa Ibom Command in Ibaka in Mbo on Wednesday.
Aneke noted that the suspects was arrested on Sunday, March 17th in Ibaka town.
He explained that the suspects was arrested following reports of an ongoing cult between the Red Skin and Baggas cult groups in Ibaka community.
“Members of the rival cult groups were engaged in a battle for supremacy, thereby disturbing the peace of the community,” Aneke said.
Aneke said that one of the arrested suspects was found with a locally made pistol, a live cartridge and a machete.
The Commanding Officer decried the menace of cultism and warned individuals or groups interested in carrying out any form of criminality in Base’s area of operation to desist or face the wrath of the law.
“Under the current leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, we will ensure that, it is impossible for cultists and militants to operate freely both on land and in the maritime areas of Akwa Ibom,” he said.
Aneke further warned that criminal elements in FOB, Ibaka area of operations under the Eastern Naval Command area of Responsibility would continue to be detected using advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence such criminal would be arrested and duly prosecuted.
Receiving the suspects and arms, the representative of DSS, Mr Abe Sunday promised a thorough investigation and duly prosecution if found guilty.
