In Bayelsa State’s Ogbia Local Government Area, the Nigerian Army has apprehended eight individuals suspected of being part of a cult group. Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, revealed this information in a statement issued on Friday, October 20, 2023. The suspects were taken into custody during a successful raid operation by troops from the 16 Brigade, who were part of Exercise STILL WATERS III, targeting a cultists’ camp in the Otuabagi community.
The statement indicated that the troops confiscated a Baretta pistol, a locally crafted double-barrel pistol, five 9mm rounds of ammunition, and a quantity of cannabis from the suspects.
“The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, initiated a series of exercises throughout the country’s geopolitical regions to combat the rising insecurity leading up to the end of 2023,” the statement further clarified.
“These exercises are already yielding positive outcomes, with the troops from the 16 Brigade, participating in Exercise STILL WATERS III, effectively conducting a raid on a suspected cultists’ camp situated within the Oloibiri oil field, in the Otuabagi community of Ogbia Local Government Area in Bayelsa State.”
“During the operation, 8 members of the cultist group were apprehended at their hideout. Additionally, the troops recovered a Baretta pistol, a locally-made double-barrel pistol, 5 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 3 live cartridges, a Baofeng communication radio, binoculars, 2 mobile phones, and a substance suspected to be cannabis from the individuals.”
“At present, the suspects are in custody and are undergoing further questioning.”
