Troops Arrest Five Suspects in Ebonyi Over Killing of Police Officer

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation UDO KA (Operation Eastern Sanity) have arrested five suspected members of a criminal network linked to the killing of a police officer in Delta State, following a coordinated intelligence-led raid in Ebonyi State.

The operation was carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at a suspected hideout in Nwofe, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, where soldiers reportedly acted on credible intelligence tracking the movement of fleeing suspects involved in violent crimes against security operatives.

The arrest was confirmed in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, who said the raid was part of ongoing military counter-terrorism and internal security operations aimed at dismantling armed criminal networks across the region.

According to the Army, the suspects are linked to a deadly attack on police officers on February 26, 2026, at Okuku-Igbo in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, where one officer was killed, another injured, and two AK-47 rifles were allegedly stolen during the incident.

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Military authorities said intelligence reports revealed that the group responsible for the attack fled Delta State following intensified security pressure and later established a new operational base in Ebonyi State to continue their activities.

The Army further alleged that the arrested suspects include a key commander of the group, described as a notorious IPOB/ESN-linked kingpin known as “Calamity,” alongside four other members of the network.

During the raid, troops reportedly surrounded and secured the hideout, arresting all five suspects without resistance. At the time of arrest, the suspected leader was found with a black handbag containing five mobile phones and several keys, while a motorcycle believed to have been used by the group was also recovered.

Security sources said the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to uncover further details about their operations, collaborators, and possible weapons caches linked to the group.

The Nigerian Army stated that the operation reflects its continued efforts under Operation Eastern Sanity to neutralize violent criminal groups, restore security, and prevent further attacks on law enforcement personnel and civilians.

Military authorities added that investigations are ongoing to dismantle the wider network allegedly connected to the group and recover weapons believed to have been hidden in different locations.

The Army also called on residents to support ongoing security operations by providing credible and timely intelligence that can assist in identifying criminal hideouts and preventing future attacks.

According to security officials, sustained collaboration between the public and security agencies remains critical to improving security in Nigeria’s South-East and South-South regions, where sporadic attacks on security operatives have persisted.

Troops Arrest Five Suspects in Ebonyi Over Killing of Police Officer

Nigeria Police Begins Probe of 167 Senior Officers Over Misconduct

The Nigeria Police Force has commenced the sitting of its internal disciplinary panel to review pending cases involving 167 senior officers over alleged professional misconduct and related offences, in a move aimed at strengthening accountability within the institution.

The exercise, currently underway at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, was confirmed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, who described it as part of ongoing reforms to enforce discipline and uphold professional standards across the Force.

According to him, the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC)—a key internal mechanism of the police—is responsible for reviewing cases involving officers from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and above. The committee is mandated to ensure a thorough, transparent, and fair hearing process, in line with existing laws and regulations, before forwarding its recommendations to the Police Service Commission for final decisions.

Placid noted that the large number of officers facing review underscores the Force’s renewed determination to address issues of misconduct, ethical violations, abuse of office, and breaches of professional codes that have, in recent years, drawn public criticism.

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He added that the process is not only punitive but also corrective, designed to reinforce discipline and restore confidence in policing institutions. Observers say cases typically handled by the committee may include allegations ranging from dereliction of duty and improper conduct to corruption-related infractions and violations of operational procedures.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the leadership’s commitment to discipline, integrity, and professionalism, stressing that no officer found guilty would be shielded from due process.

He emphasized that the disciplinary exercise forms part of broader institutional reforms targeted at:

• Strengthening internal control systems
• Promoting ethical behaviour among senior officers
• Enhancing operational accountability
• Rebuilding public trust in the police

Security analysts describe the review of 167 senior officers simultaneously as one of the most significant internal disciplinary actions in recent times, signaling a more aggressive approach by the police leadership toward internal cleansing and reform.

At the conclusion of the proceedings, affected officers may face a range of sanctions depending on the severity of findings. These could include warnings, suspension, demotion, compulsory retirement, or dismissal, subject to approval by the Police Service Commission.

The development comes amid sustained calls from civil society groups and the public for improved professionalism, transparency, and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in light of past concerns over misconduct and abuse of authority.

Authorities say the outcome of the committee’s deliberations will play a crucial role in shaping public perception of ongoing police reforms and the credibility of efforts to reposition the Force as a more accountable and service-driven institution.

Nigeria Police Begins Probe of 167 Senior Officers Over Misconduct

Grand Chief Imam Visits DSS Director, Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration in Oyo

The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Oyo State, Mr. Usman Biu, as part of efforts to deepen cooperation between religious leaders and security agencies.

The visit, which took place in Oyo State, focused on strengthening the existing relationship between the Muslim community and security institutions, with an emphasis on promoting peace, unity, and public safety.

Accompanying the Grand Imam was Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, a prominent member of the Oyo State Muslim community.

Speaking during the engagement, Sheikh Akeugberu stressed the need for sustained collaboration between religious authorities and security agencies in maintaining societal stability and addressing emerging security threats. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Muslim community in Oyo Land to support lawful authorities in ensuring peace and harmony across the state.

In his remarks, DSS Director Usman Biu expressed appreciation for the visit and lauded the leadership role of the Grand Chief Imam in fostering unity and peaceful coexistence. He assured the delegation of the DSS’s continued resolve to protect lives and property, while encouraging ongoing dialogue with community stakeholders.

The meeting is seen as a step toward enhancing synergy between religious institutions and security agencies in Oyo State, amid growing calls for community-based approaches to tackling security challenges.

Grand Chief Imam Visits DSS Director, Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration in Oyo