TROOPS OF 81 DIVISION NIGERIAN ARMY PARADE CULTISTS, IMPOSTORS, PIPELINE VANDALS IN LAGOS AND OGUN STATES. | Shakiru Seidu.

In continuation of the crackdown on criminal elements and Cultists in and around Lagos and Ogun States, the Troops of 81 Division, Nigerian Army, have yet again arrested 23 suspected Cultists in the Eginrin Depression area of Ikorodu on 16th of April, 2018, where over 50 suspected Cultists from “Eiye” confraternity were conducting physical training for new recruits, initiation and planning of robbery/kidnap activities. Their arrest followed an intensive surveillance and intelligence report to uncover the locations and activities of the Cult Group. Their arrest, as gathered by MegaXpression Magazine, was said to have been preceded by shootout between the Troops of 174 Battalion, Odogunyan, Ikorodu and the Cultists, after which, 23 of the suspected Cultists were arrested while others escaped.

According to the Acting Deputy Director, Lieutenant Colonel OM Daudu, who was ably represented by Lieutenant Colonel MG Alli, while addressing MegaXpression Magazine and other gentlemen of the Press on Saturday, 21st of April, 2018, said: "Two of the suspected sustained varying degrees of gunshots wounds, one of the suspected newly recruited cultist died as a result of injuries inflicted on him during the cult initiation. However, one of our gallant Soldiers while combating the cultists sustained gunshot wound on his left leg during the encounter and was immediately evacuated.

"The soldier and the 2 wounded cultists are receiving treatment at the Battalion’s Medical Reception Station. Items recovered from the suspects include 1 locally made double barrel pistol, 5 live cartridges, 5 machetes, 4 Jack knives, 2 table knives, 3 locally fabricated axes with nail like edges, 5 mobile phones, 1 parcel containing substance suspected to be Indian hemp; others are 2 ATM Cards, 8 identity cards, 9 passport photographs, packets of condom, rings and a variety of charms. Meanwhile, the arrested suspected cultists are undergoing preliminary investigations after which they will be handed over to the Nigerian Police for further investigations and prosecution."

In a related development, acting on a tip off from well-meaning citizens, troops of the 81 Division also raided some suspected pipeline vandals at Ilara and Imagbon areas of Ikorodu to stop their sabotage activities on the Nation’s pipeline. "The suspected vandals armed with AK-47 rifles, fired sporadically and fled on sighting troops. During the operation, sabotaged portions of the NNPC pipelines were observed in the General Area of Imoro Creek in Imagbon. Items recovered from them include: 1 wooden boat, 40 empty 50 liters of Jerry Cans and a 1000m long laid hose ostensibly used in siphoning products by the suspected vandals. The recovered items were destroyed in-situ and no arrest was made." Lt. Col. OM Daudu explained.

He further said, "while on Anti-Bunkering patrol along Imoro Creek in Ikorodu, on 17th of April, 2018, troops of 174 Battalion, 81 Division Nigerian Army, discovered sabotaged points along the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Pipeline including a loading area in the Creek for siphoned products where 8 suspected vandals were arrested. Items recovered from them include; 10 Vehicles (7 Saloon cars, 2 Wagons, 1 J5 Ford bus). Other items recovered are 31 Jerry cans loaded with refined products, 77 empty Jerry cans, 3 coolers, 9 mobile phones and substances suspected to be hard drugs. Another set of 1,320 empty Jerry cans were also discovered and destroyed in-situ. The suspected vandals are undergoing preliminary investigation after which they will be handed over to the appropriate security agency for further investigations and prosecution."

In yet another development, on 17th of April, 2018, Troops of 35 Artillery Brigade Alamala Barracks Ogun State while on Operation CHECKMATE, arrested an impostor, Mr. Taiwo Ayomide at Ademola Hotel beside Yasmin Mosque Sagamu, dressed in Military Camouflage while extorting money from unsuspecting citizens. The suspect was said to be a resident of No. 46 Ojumile Street Sagamu. Items recovered from him include; Identity Card, Camouflage uniform, Green Beret and a Military Belt. The suspect was also revealed to have been undergoing preliminary investigations before he will be handed over to the Nigerian Police.

On 17th of April, 2018, troops of 174 Battalion Ikorodu, under the leadership of Lt. Col. BC Eze, on Operation CHECKMATE arrested another one Mr. Bello Kasimu, a dismissed Solder. He was arrested at the flower general area opposite fish farm Ikorodu, wearing a Camouflage T-Shirt. It was learnt that he specializes in escorting trucks to all parts of the country while parading himself as a serving personnel. Items recovered are; 1 fake Military I.D. Card, a mobile phone, Court Affidafit, ATM Card and a brown wallet. In addition, 5 suspected impostors were arrested by troops of 9 Brigage of 81 Division, while on Operation CHECKMATE. These include the following names: Mr Ale Victor Micheal, Mr. Adetileyin Segun, Mr. Olanrewaju Yusuf, Mr. Ibrahim Isa and Mr Ibrahim Abdulahi.

The General Commanding Officer, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Enobong Okon Udoh, as gathered by MegaXpression Magazine, used the opportunity to thank the general public and indeed the people of Lagos and Ogun States for their continued cooperation and urges them to always give timely information that will help the Division in its operational efforts on day to day activities. He pledged not to relent until the area of responsibility of his Division is completely rid of all forms of cultism, vandalism and other violent criminal activities and criminal elements. He enjoined members of the public to continue to always reach out and call the nearest Military Barracks for timely useful information.

SHAKIRU SEIDU.
Publisher, MegaXpression Magazine