Troops arrest eight ‘cultists’ in Bayelsa, rescue lady abducted in Edo

The Nigerian Army says its troops conducting exercise still water III have arrested eight suspected cultists within the Oloibiri oil field at Otuabagi community in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa.

According to a statement on Friday by Onyema Nwachukwu, army spokesperson, the suspects were arrested during a raid on their hideouts by troops of the 16 brigade.

He added that soldiers seized one baretta pistol, one locally made double barrel pistol, five rounds of 9mm ammunition, three live cartridges, one Baofeng communication radio, one binocular, two mobile phones and a substance suspected to be cannabis.

“The suspects are currently under custody undergoing further interrogation,” Nwachukwu said.

Also, the army spokesperson said troops rescued a lady abducted at Obagie community in Ikpoba Okha LGA of Edo state.

He said the troops acted on intelligence from citizens who reported the kidnap incident by a suspected criminal gang.

Nwachukwu added that two gang members were arrested and taken into custody for further investigation.

“Items recovered from the suspects include two semi-automatic pump action guns, four live cartridges, one mobile phone and fetish items,” he said.

“The victim, Miss Blessing Uwenze, has since been reunited with her family.”