The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka, located in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has apprehended two suspected cultists and subsequently transferred them to the Department of State Services (DSS).

The 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 further stated that a locally-made pistol, a live cartridge, and a machete were recovered from one of the two suspects, decrying the upsurge of cultism and warning 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.

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