The Nigerian Army has distanced itself from two men arrested by the police in Ogun State for alleged cult involvement, clarifying that the suspects are not serving military personnel.

In a statement released on Thursday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the Army debunked earlier reports that soldiers were among those arrested during a midnight raid at Hillton Hotel in Osiele, Abeokuta.

Recall that on Saturday, the Ogun State Police Command announced the arrest of 22 individuals—among them, two men claimed to be soldiers—during a coordinated operation targeting suspected members of the Aiye cult group. The police revealed that the raid was carried out by operatives from the Odeda and Aregbe Divisions, Anti-Cultism Unit, and SWAT, led by SP Adejoh Israel.

However, the Nigerian Army has now clarified the situation. According to Lt. Col. Yahaya, one of the suspects, identified as Adeshola Lukuman, is an ex-soldier who deserted his duty post in April 2023 while serving at the Army Central Ammunition Depot in Kaduna State. The second suspect was found to have falsely claimed to be a soldier in a bid to avoid arrest.

Yahaya emphasized that the Nigerian Army is a disciplined and professional institution that does not tolerate cultism or any form of illegal activity. He urged the public, media, and sister agencies to always verify facts before linking incidents to the Army.

“Participation in cult-related activities is strictly prohibited, and severe sanctions are imposed on any personnel found to be involved,” he stated. He also reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to working with other security agencies and communities to fight cultism, drug abuse, and other crimes.

The Army concluded by asking the public to disregard the earlier reports and trust in its commitment to maintaining law, order, and national security.