Troops of Operation UDO KA, a military offensive against terrorists in the South East, have arrested a “notorious” Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) kingpin, popularly known as ‘Calamity’, and four others during a raid on their hideout in Nwofe, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The arrest occurred on April 21, according to a statement by the spokesperson for the 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni.

Ayeni said that “Calamity” and his cohort were arrested following credible intelligence linking them to the killing of a police officer and the injury of another during an attack at Okuku-Igbo in Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State, on February 26, 2026, during which the assailants carted away two AK-47 rifles.

According to the Army’s spokesperson, in an attempt to evade arrest after intensified security operations in Delta State, “Calamity” and his men relocated to Ebonyi State to find a safe haven and established a new criminal camp to continue their violent activities.

“Acting on actionable intelligence, troops stormed the hideout and apprehended five suspects, including the commander (Calamity) and 4 other suspects who are also key members of IPOB/ESN.

“At the time of arrest, ‘Calamity’ possessed a black handbag containing five mobile phones and numerous keys. Additional exhibits recovered included a black Kcsanya motorcycle,” Ayeni said.

He said 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 Nation)

Update news