- Safiu Kehinde
A notorious Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) kingpin, simply identified as ‘Calamity’, has been arrested by the troops of Sector 2, Operation UDO KA.
Calamity was arrested alongside four other gang members who were alleged to be responsible for the murder of a policeman in Delta state.
As disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the 82 Division Nigerian Army spokesperson, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, the gang members and their kingpin were nabbed during a raid on their hideout in Nwofe, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Ayeni explained that the operation was conducted following credible intelligence that linked the IPOB kingpin and his cohort to the killing of a police officer and the injury of another during an attack at Okuku-Igbo in Oshimili North LGA, Delta State on the 26th of February..
“During that attack, the assailants carted away 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 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.” The statement partly read.
At the time of arrest, “Calamity” was found in possession of a black handbag containing five mobile phones and numerous keys.
Additional exhibits recovered included a black Kcsanya motorcycle.
The army spokesperson 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.
Ayeni held that the 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.
He reiterated the military’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while calling on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely information that will aid ongoing operations.