A gang of 3 soilders and 18 others suspected to be cultists, armed robbers and kidnappers in Maiduguri have been apprehended by the Nigerian Army.
The gang were arrested by the troops on Sunday following a tip off by residents in the area.
According to a statement issued by the Theater Command headquarters, the alleged cultists were about to perform an initiation rite on some new members when the Army troops and other security personnel stormed their hideout and arrested them.
“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.
“Three serving personnel of the Nigerian Army were also arrested.
“Those arrested were all handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Maiduguri Command for further investigation” The statement read in part.
The command however appealed to members of the public to be watchful and immediately report any suspicious movement within their vicinity.
