The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of a notorious commander of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), popularly known as Gentle De Yahoo, in Imo State.
The suspect, identified as Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, was apprehended during a special raid by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade in collaboration with other security agencies at a hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area. The Army described the operation as a major success in the ongoing crackdown on separatist insurgency in the Southeast.
Troops recovered an English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62 NATO, a cartridge, six mobile phones, military and police uniforms, and a German flag from the hideout. Security forces also destroyed a criminal workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles and burnt down about 10 motorcycles linked to the gang.
According to military sources, Gentle De Yahoo has been linked to several violent attacks in Imo and neighbouring states, including brutal killings that recently sparked outrage on social media. His arrest came as part of wider coordinated operations which also led to the rescue of kidnap victims in Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States, while other suspects were neutralised or arrested in separate raids in Katsina and Benue.
The Nigerian Army assured citizens that the arrest of the ESN commander represents a decisive breakthrough in efforts to restore peace and security in the Southeast and across the country.
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