The Nigerian Army has announced the successful capture of a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), known as Gentle de Yahoo. His real name is Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta.
According to military authorities, Okorienta was arrested during a special operation conducted by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade in collaboration with other security agencies. The operation took place in Aku-Ihube, located in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
Army officials described the arrest as a major blow to the activities of IPOB/ESN in the South-East, where the group has been linked to attacks on security personnel, destruction of public infrastructure, and enforcement of illegal sit-at-home orders.
During the raid on Okorienta’s hideout, troops recovered a significant cache of weapons and other incriminating materials. Items seized included 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.
Troops also discovered a workshop believed to be used for dismantling stolen vehicles for resale. Ten motorcycles found at the location were destroyed as part of the operation.
The arrest of Okorienta is part of a wider crackdown on criminal elements across Nigeria. In a coordinated series of operations, the Nigerian Army reported major successes in various states including Adamawa, Katsina, Kogi, Benue, Kaduna, and Plateau.
In Adamawa State, five kidnap victims were rescued in Madagali Local Government Area. In Katsina, five more persons were freed from captivity in Malumfashi LGA, while in Kogi State, two kidnapped victims were rescued in Lokoja.
The Army further reported the neutralisation of two terrorists during the Katsina operation. Troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, live rounds of ammunition, and a motorcycle used by the assailants.
In Benue State, a violent extremist was gunned down by soldiers during a confrontation. Charms and a mobile phone were recovered from the suspect. Additionally, 11 individuals suspected of involvement in armed robbery, gunrunning, and violent extremism were arrested in separate operations across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States.
In Plateau State, the Army recovered 40 stolen cattle and returned them to their rightful owners. The theft of livestock has been a recurring issue in the North Central region, often leading to clashes between herders and farming communities.
The Nigerian Army attributed these recent successes to improved cooperation with other security agencies, including the police, civil defence, and intelligence services.
A senior military official who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, “These operations are part of ongoing efforts to rid the country of criminal elements. We are intensifying intelligence gathering and joint operations to restore peace and security in affected areas.”
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which seeks the secession of the South-East region from Nigeria, has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the Federal Government since 2017. Its armed wing, ESN, has been accused of launching attacks on security personnel and government installations in the region.
The arrest of Okorienta, widely known as Gentle de Yahoo, is seen by security experts as a major step in disrupting the command structure of the group and weakening its operational capability in Imo and surrounding states.
The Nigerian Army has assured citizens that it remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to pursue all criminals until peace is fully restored across the country.
