Navy arrests 2 suspected cultists in Akwa Ibom, recover arms

The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom arrested two suspected cultists on Sunday and handed them over to the Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday.

Commanding Officer of the FOB, Capt. Uche Aneke who handed the cultists over, said they were arrested following reports of cult clashes between the Red Skin and Baggas cult groups in Ibaka.

“Members of the rival cult groups engaged themselves in a battle of supremacy, and disturbed the peace of the community,’’ Aneke said.

He added that a locally-made pistol, a live cartridge, and a machete were recovered from one of the two suspects.

The commanding officer decried cultism and warned criminals to steer clear of the operational area of the naval base.

“We shall ensure that cultists and militants do not operate freely on land and in the marine areas of Akwa Ibom,’’ he said.

Receiving the suspects and the recovered arms, representative of the DSS, Mr Abe Sunday promised diligent prosecution of the case.