ABAKALIKI, Nigeria — Troops of Sector 2 of Operation UDO KA, under Operation Eastern Sanity, have arrested five suspects in Ebonyi State in connection with the alleged killing of a police officer in Delta State, the Nigerian Army said on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
The arrests were carried out during a raid in the early hours of the day on a suspected hideout in Nwofe, Izzi Local Government Area, following what the military described as credible intelligence.
In a statement, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, said the operation targeted members of a criminal network linked to attacks on 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,” Ayeni said.
Link to Delta Attack
According to the Army, the suspects are believed to be connected to an attack on police officers at Okuku-Igbo in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State on February 26, 2026.
“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 said.
Military authorities added that the group had relocated to Ebonyi State after intensified security operations in Delta State.
“Following intensified security operations in Delta State, the suspects fled and established a new criminal camp in Ebonyi State to continue their activities,” Ayeni said.
Items Recovered and Ongoing Investigation
The Army said five individuals, including the alleged leader, were apprehended during the raid. At the time of arrest, the suspect identified as the group’s kingpin was found with a black handbag containing five mobile phones and several keys.
A black motorcycle believed to have been used by the group was also recovered, the statement said.
The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation as authorities seek to identify additional collaborators and recover weapons.
“The suspects are undergoing further interrogation to dismantle the wider network of collaborators and recover other weapons hidden by the group,” Ayeni said.
Call for Public Support
The Nigerian Army said the operation reflects its ongoing efforts to address security threats in the region and urged members of the public to provide information that could assist ongoing operations.
“This successful operation underscores the determination of the Nigerian Armed Forces to neutralize terrorist threats, restore peace, and protect law-abiding citizens,” the statement said.
“The military urges citizens to support ongoing operations by providing useful intelligence that will assist in sustaining peace and security across the region,” it added.
