Troops Arrest Suspected IPOB/ESN Kingpin ‘Calamity’, 4 Others in Ebonyi
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
Troops of Sector 2, Operation UDO KA, under the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY, have arrested a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network, IPOB/ESN kingpin, popularly known as ‘Calamity’, alongside four other suspects during a raid in Ebonyi State.
INCNews247 reports that the operation, which took place in the early hours of Monday in Nwofe, Izzi Local Government Area, followed what the military described as credible intelligence linking the suspects to criminal activities in the South-East and neighbouring states.
According to a statement on Tuesday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the suspect and his group were allegedly responsible for the killing of a police officer and the injury of another during an attack in Okuku-Igbo, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State on February 26, 2026.
READ ALSO: Atiku, Why Again? By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
Ayeni said, “The operation was conducted following credible intelligence that linked 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. During the attack, the assailants carted away two AK-47 rifles.”
He added that the suspect, in a bid to evade arrest after intensified security operations in Delta State, relocated to Ebonyi State where he allegedly established a new hideout to continue criminal activities.
“In an attempt to evade arrest, the suspect and his men relocated to Ebonyi State to seek a safe haven and established a new criminal camp. Acting on actionable intelligence, troops stormed the hideout and apprehended five suspects, including the commander, ‘Calamity’, and four other key members,” Ayeni stated.
The army spokesperson disclosed that items recovered from the suspects included multiple mobile phones, keys, and a motorcycle.
“At the time of arrest, ‘Calamity’ was found in possession of a black handbag containing five mobile phones and numerous keys. Additional exhibits recovered included a black Kcsanya motorcycle,” he said.
Ayeni noted that the suspects were currently in custody and undergoing further investigation, adding that efforts were ongoing to dismantle the group’s network and recover additional weapons.
“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,” he said.
He reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, to tackling insecurity and restoring peace in the region.
“This successful operation underscores the determination of the Nigerian Armed Forces to neutralise terrorist threats, restore peace, and protect law-abiding citizens. We urge members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information,” Ayeni added.
