The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, FOB, Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has handed over two arrested suspected cultists to the Department of State Services, DSS, in the state.
Speaking during the handing over ceremony, yesterday in Ibaka the Commanding Officer, FOB, Capt. Uche Aneke disclosed that the suspects were arrested on March 17, in Ibaka town.
Aneke who decried the menace of cultism disclosed that the suspects were arrested following reports of cult clash between the Red Skin and Baggas cult groups in Ibaka community.
He disclosed that one of the suspects was found with a locally made pistol, a live cartridge and a machete during his arrest.
“Members of the rival cult groups were engaged in a battle for supremacy, thereby disturbing the peace of the community.
“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,” Aneke said.
The Navy Commanding officer warned individuals or groups interested in carrying out any form of criminality in the FOB Ibaka area of operation to desist, henceforth.
While receiving the suspects and the recovered arms, the representative of DSS, Mr. Abe Sunday promised that the command would carry out thorough investigation into the matter and the suspects duly prosecuted if found culpable