The Nigerian Army says it has arrested a group of suspected cultists
terrorizing communities in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The arrested gang, according to the army, were accused of engaging in
armed robbery and kidnapping in Maiduguri and environs.
Col. Ado Isa, spokesman for the army, in a statement said, “Alleged
cultists were about to perform an initiation rite on some new members
into their confraternity when the army troops and other security
personnel stormed their hideout in Maiduguri.
“The cultists attempt to flee and escape arrest was unsuccessful as
they were effectively overwhelmed and rounded up by the troops in
conjunction with other security agencies.
“The general area was cordoned off and 18 members of the cult group,
comprising civilians and alleged students of the University of
Maiduguri were arrested at the initiation scene.”
Isa also said three officers of the Nigerian Army were arrested and
had been dismissed.
“Three serving personnel of the Nigerian Army were also arrested.
Those arrested were all handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Borno
State (Maiduguri) Command for further investigation/necessary action.
“While the arrested soldiers were immediately interrogated and tried
in line with the military justice system by 7 Division Military
Police, in conjunction with their Units.
“Consequently, the soldiers were dismissed and handed over to the
Borno State Police Command for further action,” Isa explained.
SR