The Nigerian Army has said that its troops of Sector 2, Operation UDO KA, operating in the ongoing Operation Eastern Sanity in Ebonyi State, have successfully arrested a notorious Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network, ESN, kingpin, popularly known as “Calamity,” and four others.
The arrest was made during a raid on the terrorists’ hideout in Nwofe, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, in the early hours of today, April 21, 2026.
A statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, said the operation was conducted following credible intelligence linking the suspect and his cohort to the killing of a police officer and the injury of another during an attack at Okuku-Igbo in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State on February 26, 2026.
During that attack, the assailants carted away two AK-47 rifles, the statement said.
It added that in an attempt to evade arrest after intensified security operations in Delta State, “Calamity” and his men relocated to Ebonyi State in search of a safe haven, where they established a new criminal camp to continue their violent activities.
Acting on actionable intelligence, the troops stormed the hideout and apprehended five suspects, including the commander, “Calamity,” and four others, who are also key members of IPOB/ESN.
“At the time of arrest, ‘Calamity’ was found in possession of a black handbag containing five mobile phones and numerous keys,” the statement said.
“Additional exhibits recovered included a black Kcsanya motorcycle. The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation to dismantle the wider network of criminal collaborators and recover other weapons hidden by the group,” it added.
The army said the successful operation underscores the determination of the Nigerian Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, to neutralise terrorist threats, restore peace, and protect law-abiding citizens across the region.
The military reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and called on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely information that will aid ongoing operations.
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