Notorious IPOB Commander ‘Gentle de Yahoo’ Arrested in Imo State Operation

Security forces have apprehended Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, widely known as Gentle de Yahoo, a key commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo State.

Troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, working alongside other security agencies, carried out the operation at Okorienta’s hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area.

The raid resulted in the seizure of weapons and tactical equipment, including an English pistol, 145 rounds of various ammunition, six mobile phones, military and police uniforms, and a German flag.

Authorities also dismantled a workshop used to strip stolen vehicles and destroyed ten motorcycles found on site.

The arrest marks a major success in the ongoing crackdown on IPOB/ESN networks, highlighting the military’s sustained efforts to weaken armed groups and restore law and order.

In parallel operations across Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States, the army rescued 11 kidnapped victims—five in Madagali, Adamawa; five in Malumfashi, Katsina; and two in Lokoja, Kogi.

The military also neutralized two terrorists in Katsina, recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle. In Benue State, a violent extremist was killed, and charms and a mobile phone were seized.

Additionally, 11 suspects linked to armed robbery and violent extremism were arrested across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States.

Troops in Plateau State recovered 40 stolen cattle, returning them to their owners, further bolstering public confidence in security operations.

The Nigerian Army attributed these results to continued collaboration with sister services and security agencies, emphasizing its commitment to disrupting criminal networks and safeguarding citizens.