The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The suspect, identified as Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta and popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo, was captured during a joint operation led by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade in collaboration with sister security agencies.
The dramatic raid took place at Okorienta’s hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State. According to military sources, troops recovered a cache of dangerous weapons and incriminating items, including an English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, a cartridge, military and police uniforms, six mobile phones, and even a German flag.
Security operatives also discovered a workshop where stolen vehicles were dismantled for resale. Ten motorcycles recovered at the site were destroyed immediately by troops.
Beyond the successful Imo State operation, the Nigerian Army carried out coordinated missions across Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States, rescuing 11 kidnapped victims. Five abductees were freed in Madagali, Adamawa, another five in Malumfashi, Katsina, while two victims were rescued in Lokoja, Kogi State.
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Troops also recorded significant breakthroughs in counter-terrorism operations. In Katsina, two terrorists were neutralised with the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle. In Benue, soldiers gunned down a violent extremist, seizing charms and a mobile phone, while 11 suspects linked to armed robbery, gunrunning, and violent extremism were arrested in Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States.
In Plateau State, troops intercepted 40 rustled cattle and returned them to their rightful owners, further strengthening community trust in the military.
The Nigerian Army attributed the string of recent successes to sustained intelligence gathering and close collaboration with sister services and security agencies. Authorities assured Nigerians that the operations would continue until criminal elements are completely dismantled across the country.
