Troops from Sector 2, Operation UDO KA, part of Operation Eastern Sanity, have detained five individuals in Ebonyi State for allegedly killing a police officer in Delta State.
The arrest was made in the early hours of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, during a raid on a suspected hideout in Nwofe, Izzi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, based on what the military claimed as solid intelligence.
Lt Col Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, said in a statement on Tuesday that the operation targeted members of a criminal network related to violent attacks on security officers.
“Troops of Sector 2, Operation UDO KA, acting on credible intelligence, successfully arrested a notorious IPOB/ESN kingpin known as ‘Calamity’ alongside four other suspects during a raid on their hideout,” the statement said.
The Army accused the suspects of being involved in an attack on police officers on February 26, 2026, at Okuku-Igbo in Delta State’s Oshimili North Local Government Area, in which one officer was killed and another was injured. Two AK-47 firearms were also allegedly stolen during the event.
“The suspects were linked to the attack in Delta State, where a police officer was killed and another injured, with two AK-47 rifles carted away by the assailants,” the statement continued.
Military authorities further reported that the group migrated to Ebonyi State due to security operations in Delta State, where they allegedly created a new camp.
“Following intensified security operations in Delta State, the suspects fled and established a new criminal camp in Ebonyi State to continue their activities,” Ayeni stated.
Troops reportedly assaulted the bunker, arresting five people, including the putative commander and four other members of the organization.
“At the time of arrest, the suspected kingpin was found with a black handbag containing five mobile phones and several keys,” the statement noted.
A black motorcycle, believed to have been used by the group, was also recovered.
According to the Army, the suspects are still being held in custody and interrogated as investigations continue.
“The suspects are undergoing further interrogation to dismantle the wider network of collaborators and recover other weapons hidden by the group,” the statement added.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to internal security operations, saying the raid reflected its ongoing efforts under Operation Eastern Sanity.
“This successful operation underscores the determination of the Nigerian Armed Forces to neutralize terrorist threats, restore peace, and protect law-abiding citizens,” the army said.
It also called on the people to continue providing security officials with timely and credible information.
“The military urges citizens to support ongoing operations by providing useful intelligence that will assist in sustaining peace and security across the region,” the statement concluded.
