By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
EBONYI STATE — In a major breakthrough against separatist violence in the South East, troops of Sector 2, Operation UDO KA, have arrested a notorious Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) commander known as ‘Calamity’, along with four of his key associates.
The raid took place in the early hours of today, 21 April 2026, at a terrorist hideout in Nwofe, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, as part of the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the operation was driven by credible intelligence linking ‘Calamity’ and his cohort to a deadly attack on police personnel at Okuku-Igbo in Oshimili North LGA, Delta State, on 26 February 2026. During that assault, the gunmen killed one police officer, injured another, and made off with two AK-47 rifles.
Fleeing the heat of 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, troops stormed the hideout and apprehended five suspects, including the self-styled commander. At the time of his arrest, ‘Calamity’ was found in possession of a black handbag containing five mobile phones and numerous keys. Other items recovered from the scene include a black Kcsanya motorcycle.
The four other suspects are described as key members of the IPOB/ESN network. All five are currently in custody as investigations intensify to dismantle their wider network of collaborators and recover additional weapons hidden by the group.
The military described the operation as a clear demonstration of the Nigerian Armed Forces’ resolve, in collaboration with other security agencies, to neutralise terrorist threats and restore peace across the region.
“We reiterate our unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property,” Lieutenant Colonel Ayeni said.
He also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely information to aid ongoing operations.
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