Nigeria: Troops Nab Notorious Ipob Commander, 4 Others in Ebonyi

The Nigerian Army says troops of Sector 2, Operation UDO KA in the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY in Ebonyi State arrested a notorious Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) kingpin popularly known as 'Calamity' and four others during a raid on the terrorists' hideout in Nwofe, Izzi local government area of Ebonyi State.

A statement by the acting deputy director Army Public Relations 82 Division Nigerian Army Lt-Co. Olabisi Ayeni said the operation was conducted in the early hours of Tuesday 21 April 2026 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 on 26 February 2026.

He said the suspects during the attack at Okuku-Igbo in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State carted away two AK-47 rifles.

According to Lt-Col. Ayeni, 'Calamity' and his men in an attempt to evade arrest after intensified security operations in Delta State, relocated to Ebonyi State to look for a safe haven and established a new criminal camp to continue their violent activities.

However, troops acting on actionable intelligence, "stormed the hideout and apprehended five suspects, including the commander (Calamity) and four other suspects who are also key members of IPOB/ESN."

He stated that the kingpin at the time of arrest was found in possession of a black handbag containing five mobile phones and numerous keys.

Other exhibits recovered includes; a black Kcsanya motorcycle.

According to the statement, 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.

The statement added that the successful operation underscores the determination of the Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with other security agencies to neutralize terrorist threats, restore peace, and protect law-abiding citizens across the region.

It further reiterates the military's 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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