Army arrests notorious IPOB kingpin ‘Calamity’ in Ebonyi raid

Abdullateef Fowewe

Troops from Sector 2, Operation UDO KA, under Operation EASTERN SANITY, raided a terrorist hideout in Nwofe, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, early Tuesday, April 21, 2026, arresting IPOB and ESN kingpin “Calamity” and four accomplices.

Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 82 Division, confirmed the operation in a statement today.

In a sustained offensive and concerted efforts to rid the South East and environs of criminal elements, troops have successfully arrested a notorious Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) kingpin popularly known as ‘Calamity’ and four others,” Ayeni said.

The raid followed intelligence linking the suspects to the February 26, 2026, attack in Okuku-Igbo, Oshimili North LGA, Delta State, where they killed a police officer, injured another, and stole two AK-47 rifles.

“In an attempt to evade arrest after intensified security operations in Delta State, ‘Calamity’ and his men relocated to Ebonyi State to look for a safe haven and established a new criminal camp,” the statement noted.

During the arrest, troops recovered a black handbag from “Calamity” containing five mobile phones and numerous keys, plus a black Kcsanya motorcycle.

The suspects are in custody for further investigation to dismantle their network and recover hidden weapons.

Ayeni emphasised the military’s resolve, “This successful operation underscores the determination of the Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with other security agencies to neutralize terrorist threats, restore peace, and protect law-abiding citizens across the region.”