Nigerian Army Captures IPOB Commander Gentle de Yahoo in Imo State, Rescues 12 Kidnap Victims in Nationwide Operations

Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of , a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo, Okorienta was apprehended during a joint security operation at his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.

According to a military statement, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, working alongside other security agencies, recovered 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 during the raid.

Troops also discovered a workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles for resale and destroyed 10 motorcycles found at the site.

Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo

In coordinated operations across the country, security forces successfully rescued 12 kidnapped victims. Five persons were freed in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, another five in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, and two in Lokoja, Kogi State.

Separately, operatives of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, neutralised eight Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Borno State. The encounter occurred in the early hours of Monday after terrorists staged an ambush near Garin Giwa along the Baga–Cross Kauwa Main Supply Route.

“During the exchange of fire, eight ISWAP fighters were neutralised, including two Munzirs and one Qaid,” the Army confirmed. Several others with gunshot wounds were arrested during the follow-up operation.