The Nigerian military has arrested a wanted commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), known as Gentle, along with eight of his accomplices during recent operations in Imo and Ebonyi states.
This was disclosed on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Magnus Kangye, during a news briefing on the latest activities of the armed forces across the country.
According to Kangye, the arrest was carried out by troops of Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA, who have sustained offensive operations across the South-East to curb the activities of IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“Between 8 and 13 October, troops conducted several successful operations and arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN terrorist commander identified as Gentle, who had been on the troops’ wanted list, along with eight other criminals,” Kangye said.
The arrests were made in Owerri West and Mbaitoli Local Government Areas of Imo State, as well as Izzi and Ohaukwu Local Government Areas in Ebonyi State.
The Defence Headquarters also confirmed the arrest of a female collaborator linked to the Eastern Security Network. She was picked up by troops on 13 October in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
According to the military, the operation led to the recovery of arms, ammunition, and vehicles allegedly used by the suspects for their criminal activities. However, specific details of the seized items were not disclosed during the briefing.
Major General Kangye emphasized that the military remains committed to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring peace in troubled regions of the country, especially in the South-East where IPOB and ESN have been accused of violent attacks, killings, and destruction of government facilities.
The arrest of Gentle is considered a significant breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown on separatist elements operating under the IPOB/ESN banner.
IPOB, which seeks the secession of the South-East region from Nigeria, was declared a terrorist organisation by the Federal Government in 2017. Its armed wing, the ESN, has been linked to a series of deadly attacks on security personnel, election offices, and civilians in the region.
The military has stepped up its operations in recent months through Operation UDO KA, a coordinated effort to flush out insurgents and restore law and order in affected areas.
Major General Kangye also highlighted other recent operational successes recorded by the armed forces nationwide but stressed that efforts would be sustained to ensure lasting peace and security across the country.
The Defence Headquarters urged members of the public to continue providing credible information that will help security agencies track and apprehend criminals threatening national stability.
