Troops of Sector 2, Operation UDO KA, operating under Operation Eastern Sanity, have arrested five suspects in Ebonyi State over their alleged involvement in the killing of a police officer in Delta State.

The arrest was carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, during a raid on a suspected hideout in Nwofe, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, following what the military described as credible intelligence.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni on Tuesday, the operation targeted members of a criminal network linked to violent attacks against security personnel.

“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 alleged that the suspects were connected to an attack on police officers at Okuku-Igbo in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State on February 26, 2026, during which a police officer was killed and another injured. Two AK-47 rifles were also reportedly taken during the incident.

“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 added.

Military authorities further claimed that the group had relocated to Ebonyi State after pressure from security operations in Delta State, where they allegedly set up a new base.

“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 stormed the hideout and arrested five individuals, including the alleged leader and four other members of the group.

“At the time of arrest, the suspected kingpin was found with a black handbag containing five mobile phones and several keys,” the statement noted.

Additional items recovered included a black motorcycle believed to have been used by the group.

The Army said the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation 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.

Reaffirming its commitment to internal security operations, the Nigerian Army said the raid reflects 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 members of the public to continue supporting security agencies 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. (The PUNCH)

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