Nigerian Army Captures Infamous IPOB/ESN Leader Gentle De Yahoo

A notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo, has been apprehended by troops of the Nigerian Army.

According to Ireporter Online, the wanted ESN leader was arrested by soldiers of the 34 Artillery Brigade during a joint operation with other security agencies at his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State. The Nigerian Army confirmed the arrest in an official statement and provided details of the operation.

During the raid, troops recovered a cache of weapons and equipment, including an English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, a cartridge, six mobile phones, military and police uniforms, and a German flag. Soldiers also uncovered a workshop reportedly used to dismantle stolen vehicles for resale and destroyed 10 motorcycles found at the location.

In a separate series of coordinated operations across Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States, the Army rescued 11 kidnap victims. Five individuals were freed in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa, another five in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina, and two more in Lokoja, Kogi State.

The Nigerian Army also reported that two terrorists were neutralised in Katsina, with an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle recovered. In Benue State, soldiers killed a violent extremist and seized charms and a mobile phone. Additionally, 11 suspects connected to armed robbery, gunrunning, and violent extremism were arrested across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States.

Troops in Plateau State recovered 40 stolen cattle, which have since been returned to their rightful owners.